A top American diplomat has stunned observers by applying the term "terror" to actions by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, a rarity for an administration seen as deeply supportive of Israel. The blunt rebuke came after settlers blockaded three Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra, trapping families inside without water or electricity. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, known for his strong backing of Israeli settlements, posted the remarks on X on Thursday, calling the siege a "horrific act of terror" and describing the perpetrators' behavior as "disgusting" and "thuggish." The comments stand out because Huckabee has historically voiced support for settlement expansion in the territory. Main Developments Palestinian residents report that the siege, now in its third day, has severed access to water, electricity, and other essentials. The families, including one headed by a dual US citizen, say settlers are using rocks and tents to block the homes, an effort they interpret as an attempt to force them off their land and seize it. Read also: US Missiles Disable Ship Defying Iran Blockade as Strait Talks Advance The Times of Israel reported that Israeli forces and police tried to evacuate the settlers early Thursday, following a failed attempt the previous day. As of Thursday morning, the settlers remained, according to the report. Israel's military later said it had dismantled two "illegal outposts" near Qusra and Jalud, confiscated equipment, and detained one Israeli. Loai Ridi, an American-Palestinian whose brother Qusai Abu Rida and 18-year-old nephew Ahmed are trapped inside, spoke to Al Jazeera from Ohio. He said the family relies on a temporary solar power system and leftover well water from winter, as supply lines have been cut. "He does not want to leave the home. Because if he leaves the home, the settlers will take over immediately," Ridi said. Another resident, Aisha Abu Rida, vowed defiance, telling Al Jazeera, "We will not leave our home, no matter what happens." Al Jazeera's correspondent Nida Ibrahim described the broader situation: "Qusra in general is under siege. Every single entrance to Qusra is blocked by the Israeli army," preventing other Palestinians from offering help. Background The village of Qusra sits in Area B of the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority nominally handles civil administration. It has faced a series of attacks in recent months, including the burning of a newly built mosque last month. In the nearby village of Jalud, a two-week siege in July forced two Palestinian families off their land, after which settlers took over the property. Settler violence against Palestinians and their property is a recurring pattern in the occupied territory, often occurring with Israeli forces present, who have been accused of backing the settlers. Violence and land seizures have intensified recently, emboldened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, which has accelerated settlement construction. Huckabee, while condemning the settlers, also defended Israeli authorities, noting they had gone to Qusra at the US embassy's request "to remove the Israeli terrorists doing this." He shared footage appearing to show Israeli tanks entering the town. Why It Matters The incident underscores the volatile dynamics in the West Bank, where over 500,000 Israelis live in settlements deemed illegal under international law, alongside roughly three million Palestinians. Israel has occupied the territory since 1967, and the ongoing siege highlights the vulnerability of Palestinian communities to displacement and land seizure. Huckabee's use of "terror" is significant given his previous support for settlements, signaling a potential shift in US rhetoric, even if not policy. The blockade also raises concerns about the safety of dual US citizens, as the family of Loai Ridi includes American passport holders, complicating diplomatic responses. The village-wide siege, as described by Al Jazeera's correspondent, illustrates how collective punishment can escalate, affecting not just the targeted families but the entire community, which is cut off from aid and solidarity. What's Next Israeli authorities have yet to announce a timeline for resolving the standoff, though the military's dismantling of outposts suggests some action. The families remain in their homes, with no indication they will leave voluntarily, and settlers have shown no sign of withdrawing. Observers will watch whether Huckabee's comments lead to any concrete diplomatic steps, such as US pressure on Israel to enforce evacuation orders. The situation in Qusra and neighboring Jalud may also prompt renewed international scrutiny of settler violence and the broader settlement enterprise, which remains a core obstacle to peace negotiations.