The European Union lambasts the “upsurge of settler terrorism in the West Bank” that has led to civilian casualties and Palestinian communities “being forced out of their homes.”
“The situation could get out of control and is causing unspeakable suffering to local communities,” says a statement from the EU foreign policy chief’s spokesperson. “Urgent measures are needed.”
“Israel has the duty to protect civilians in the West Bank from extremist settler violence, to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that the IDF intervenes. It is a legal obligation that must be fulfilled,” the statement says.
“This adds to an already tragic situation in Gaza, increasing the risk of dangerous escalation of the conflict, which must be avoided at all costs,” the EU statement adds.
“Nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from their homes in the West Bank since the October 7 Hamas onslaught. This includes at least 98 Palestinian households, comprising over 800 people, driven out from 15 herding communities in Area C amid intensified settler violence and access restrictions,” according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
