Brussels: The European Union declared that the current level of violence in the occupied West Bank is ‘unacceptable’ and called on Israeli authorities to take immediate action to prevent further attacks on Palestinian civilians.

According to Anadolu Agency, an EU spokesperson highlighted that since February 28, six Palestinians have been killed due to attacks by extremist Israeli settlers. The violence has not only claimed lives but has also severely impacted numerous communities through property damage, destroyed livelihoods, and displaced residents who are now left without shelter.

The EU strongly urged Israeli authorities to take ‘immediate and effective action’ to prevent additional attacks and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The spokesperson warned that a lack of accountability could lead to further violence. The EU also emphasized Israel’s responsibility under international law to protect the Palestinian population in the occupied territories.

Violence in the West Bank has significantly increased since the onset of the war in Gaza on October 8, 2023. Israeli forces and illegal settlers have been involved in various violent acts, including killings, arrests, property destruction, home demolitions, displacement, and settlement expansion. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,121 Palestinians, injuries to 11,700, and nearly 22,000 arrests.

Palestinians have expressed concern that these violations could be a precursor to Israel formally annexing the West Bank, which would undermine the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state, as envisioned by UN resolutions. The international community and the UN continue to regard the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as occupied Palestinian territory and consider Israeli settlements there illegal under international law.