Paris: France, Germany, Italy, and the UK have urged Israel to comply with international law and take immediate measures to protect Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. This call comes amid a significant increase in illegal settler attacks, reaching unprecedented levels in nearly two decades.

According to Anadolu Agency, the four countries, collectively known as the E4, issued a joint statement condemning the rise in settler violence against Palestinian civilians and calling for stability in the West Bank. The ministers expressed concern over the surge in attacks by Israeli settlers, warning that the escalating violence is destabilizing the West Bank and may lead to regional tension.

The statement, which cited UN figures, highlighted that 264 settler attacks were recorded in October, marking the highest monthly number since monitoring began in 2006. The E4 urged the Israeli government to fulfill its obligations under international law and protect the Palestinian population, emphasizing the need for accountability.

The statement called on the Israeli government to hold accountable those responsible for the violence and to address the root causes of such behavior to prevent further incidents. The four governments reiterated their opposition to annexation and settlement policies that violate international law.

The E4 reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated, peaceful settlement, emphasizing support for a two-state solution where both parties live side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition. The ministers also stressed the importance of ending ongoing attacks, highlighting that they sow terror among civilians, undermine peace efforts, and ultimately harm Israel's lasting security.