The European Union on Tuesday described the escalating violence in the West Bank as “unacceptable,” calling on Israeli authorities to take swift action to halt further attacks targeting Palestinian civilians.
An EU spokesperson said that six Palestinians have been killed since February 28 in incidents linked to assaults by illegal Israeli settlers.
According to a statement, the violence has affected several communities, causing widespread damage to homes and property, destroying livelihoods and forcing residents from their homes, leaving many without shelter.
The EU called on Israeli authorities to take “immediate and effective action” to stop additional attacks and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“Impunity for such acts risks provoking further violence,” said the spokesperson.
The bloc also urged Israel to meet its obligations under international law by ensuring the protection of the Palestinian population in the occupied territory.
Violence across the occupied West Bank has intensified since the outbreak of the war in Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023. During this period, Israeli forces and illegal settlers have carried out attacks involving killings, arrests, destruction of property, demolition of homes, displacement of residents and the expansion of settlements.
These incidents have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,121 Palestinians and injuries to around 11,700 others, while nearly 22,000 Palestinians have been arrested.
Palestinians have warned that the continuing violations could pave the way for Israel to formally annex the West Bank, which would effectively end prospects for establishing a Palestinian state as envisioned in United Nations resolutions.
The international community and the United Nations regard the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as occupied Palestinian territory and consider Israeli settlements in the area illegal under international law.
