EU urges Israel to curb ‘steep rise’ in settler violence in occupied West Bank
The European Union has called on Israel to prevent increasing settler violence in the occupied West Bank, warning that the situation there is “worsening rapidly”.
“In recent days, there has been a steep rise in settler violence, intimidation, and the destruction of homes and property – including the killing of three Palestinians in Kafr Malik on Wednesday,” said a statement by Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for EU foreign affairs and security policy in the EU’s diplomatic service.
“This must come to an end.”
El Anouni called on Israel “to take concrete action to prevent settler violence against Palestinians and ensure the perpetrators of crimes are held accountable”.
“In the current difficult situation, all efforts should be directed at de-escalating tensions,” he said. “The EU recalls that settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace.”
An Israeli settler at an outpost of Evyatar, near Jabal Subeih in the occupied West Bank in 2021
Two children beaten, detained by Israeli troops in occupied West Bank: Report
Israeli forces assaulted and detained two children while they were playing in the street in Yabad town, south of Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, according to the Wafa news agency.
The children were eventually released after being held in Israeli military vehicles for a period of time, the report said.
