India, Aug. 14 -- The US Ambassador to Israel condemned the actions of Jewish settlers who are besieging the home of an American Palestinian family in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the siege a "horrific act of terror." Since Sunday, according to local officials and family members, settlers have gathered near the home in the village of Qusra and harassed those inside, defying efforts by the Israeli military to defuse the situation.

A group that has included up to dozens of men has thrown stones, attempted to bring down a stone wall nearby, and prevented the occupants from leaving despite dwindling supplies. Speaking to The Associated Press by phone from his home in Ohio, the home's owner Lou Ridi said...