‘Acts of terrorism’: France condemns ‘murder’ of West Bank activist, other settler attacks
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the killing of Awdah Hathaleen, a well-known Palestinian teacher, activist and contributor to the Oscar-winning film No Other Land.
In a statement, the ministry described his killing by a settler as “murder,” while reaffirming its opposition to ongoing Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank. It also pointed to recent incidents in Kafr Malek and the Christian village of Taybeh. “These violent actions are acts of terrorism,” it said.
Since the beginning of 2022, settlers have killed more than 30 people in the West Bank, the statement noted, calling on Israeli authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and protect Palestinian civilians.
France reiterated its total condemnation of settlement activity, which, it said, is contrary to international law, referencing an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice last year.
“We will continue to support the adoption of further measures by the EU, and if the violence continues, we stand ready to take additional measures at the national level, including sanctions against members of the government who support such violence,” the statement added.
Israeli soldiers disrupt funeral of Palestinian activist in Hebron
Israeli troops have stormed the funeral procession of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, Wafa news agency reports.
Hathaleen, a human rights activist and teacher known for his role in the Oscar-winning film No Other Land, was fatally shot by an Israeli settler on Monday.
He was reportedly attempting to prevent the destruction of Palestinian land in Umm al-Kheir, a village southeast of Yatta, in the Hebron governorate.
Osama Makhamreh, an activist cited by Wafa, witnessed Israeli soldiers assaulting mourners, forcibly removing them from the procession, and declaring the area a closed military zone.
During the incident, two foreign activists were detained by Israeli soldiers for showing solidarity with Hathaleen’s family. The military also sealed off Khirbet Umm al-Kheir, blocking residents, activists, and human rights groups from attending the funeral.
Later, Israeli troops provided protection to settlers as they continued to expand the Carmel settlement in the Palestinian village.
