France, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland and the European Union express their deep concern at the unprecedented number of attacks perpetrated by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. Since the beginning of October, settlers have carried out more than 343 violent attacks, during which eight Palestinian civilians were killed, more than 83 were injured and more than 1,026 Palestinians were forced to leave their homes.
We strongly condemn the violence committed by extremist settlers, who terrorize Palestinian communities. We reiterate our position on the settlement policy, which is illegal under international law, and remind Israel of its obligations under international law, in particular Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
This increase in violence committed by extremist settlers against Palestinians is unacceptable. Israel, as the occupying power, must protect Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. Those responsible for this violence must be brought to justice. Israel’s failure to protect Palestinians and prosecute extremist settlers has led to an environment of near-total impunity in which settler violence has reached unprecedented levels. This situation undermines security in the West Bank and the region and threatens prospects for lasting peace.
While welcoming Prime Minister Netanyahu’s November 9 statement on this subject, in which he indicated that measures would be taken against the perpetrators of violence, proactive measures must now be implemented to ensure effective and immediate protection of Palestinian communities. . Words are important, but now they must be translated into action.
2023-12-15 13:31:30
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