Newsletters
France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom jointly called on Israel Thursday to curb a sharp escalation in settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, urging compliance with international law and accountability for the attacks.
The four European countries—collectively known as the E4—condemned what they described as a "massive increase of settler violence against Palestinian civilians," citing United Nations data showing 264 settler attacks in October alone, representing the highest monthly figure since systematic monitoring began in 2006.
The E4 governments expressed deep concern over the destabilizing effects of the violence and warned of broader regional implications. They called on Israeli authorities to “abide by their obligations under international law and protect the Palestinian population of the occupied territories." The statement further urged Israel to "hold those accountable who are responsible for these crimes and to prevent further violence by addressing the root causes of this behaviour."
Reaffirming opposition to annexation and settlement activity, the four nations also reiterated their support for a two-state solution, describing it as the only path toward lasting peace and mutual security in the region.
"These attacks must stop," the ministers emphasized, warning that they not only terrorize civilians but also jeopardize ongoing peace efforts and the long-term security of Israel itself.
The Israeli-occupied West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence since the October 2023 incidents, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. Despite a truce taking effect between Israel and Hamas last month, the unrest in the West Bank has persisted.
According to a tally by Agence France-Presse based on figures from the Palestinian health ministry, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Gaza conflict began. While many of the casualties were militants, the death toll also includes a substantial number of civilians.
Israeli figures indicate that at least 44 Israelis—including both soldiers and civilians—have died in attacks or military operations in the West Bank during the same period.
Amid the rising tensions, Israeli forces launched a new operation on Wednesday targeting armed Palestinian groups in the West Bank. Local officials reported that several towns had been raided as part of the campaign.
Israel has maintained military control over the West Bank since 1967.
1 min read
2 min read
