Diplomatic missions from the European Union and several European countries in Jerusalem and Ramallah have condemned violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, calling on Israel to halt the attacks and bring those responsible to justice.
In a joint statement published on the account of the EU Office for the West Bank and Gaza Strip on X, and endorsed by Canada’s delegation, diplomats expressed “particular horror” at the killings of Palestinians in recent weeks.
Repeated acys of terror
While global attention remains focused on the war in the Middle East triggered by the US-Israel strikes on Iran in late February, recent data indicate a rise in deadly attacks by Israeli settlers in the territory occupied by Israel since 1967.
According to Palestinian authorities, six Palestinians have been killed by settler gunfire in the West Bank since 2 March.
By comparison, 24 Palestinians were killed by settlers between the start of the Gaza war on 7 October 2023 and early March this year, according to the United Nations, highlighting a broader surge in violence.
“We strongly condemn the resurgence of acts of terror committed by settlers and violence against Palestinian communities by Israeli security forces,” the statement said. It was signed by diplomatic missions from 12 countries, including France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Israel urged to put a stop to violence
The diplomats added that the violence, aimed at seizing land and creating a coercive environment to force Palestinians from their homes, “must stop”, urging Israeli authorities to prevent and punish deadly attacks, raids and assaults.
Several Israeli officials have also voiced concern over the increase in settler violence. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli armed forces described the attacks as “directed against our soldiers and civilians” and “morally and ethically unacceptable”.
More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements across the West Bank - excluding annexed East Jerusalem - alongside around three million Palestinians. The settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law by the United Nations.