DZWatch Exclusive: Four European nations have issued a strong condemnation of the escalating violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom jointly called on Israel to ensure the protection of the Palestinian population residing in the territories occupied since 1967.
In a statement released Thursday, the foreign ministers of the four countries expressed grave concern over the surge in settler violence, stating, “We – France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom – strongly condemn the alarming increase in violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians. We call for stability in the West Bank.”
The ministers emphasized that such attacks must cease immediately. “These attacks sow terror among civilians and undermine the ongoing efforts to establish peace and ensure lasting security for the State of Israel itself,” the statement read. They further reiterated their opposition to any form of annexation, whether partial, total, or de facto, as well as settlement activities that violate international law.
The condemnation comes amidst reports of intensified Israeli military operations in the West Bank, including raids, arrests, and searches across several areas. These operations have reportedly led to the displacement of Palestinian families from their homes, with some residences allegedly transformed into military outposts. Eyewitness accounts describe homes belonging to prisoners and families of those killed by Israeli forces being particularly targeted, with Israeli authorities claiming to be targeting locations used by militants.
Critics argue that these actions represent a form of collective punishment against prisoners and their families, lacking genuine security justification. The ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for de-escalation and a renewed commitment to a peaceful resolution in the region.
