European Union Countries Affirm Israel Must Respect International Law In The West Bank

Israeli military operations in Jenin area, West Bank. (Wikimedia Commons/IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

JAKARTA - France, Germany, Italy, and Britain on Thursday urged Israel to enforce international law and take urgent steps to protect Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, warning that a sharp escalation of the violence of illegal settlers is disrupting regional stability.

The four countries commonly called E4 condemn what they call a "massive increase" in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, saying in a joint statement "very worried" by the spike. They noted that the settlers' attacks had reached their highest level in nearly two decades.

Citing UN figures, the statement said 264 settlers' attacks were recorded in October, the highest monthly total since systematic monitoring began in 2006.

E4 said the violence threatens stability in the West Bank and risks fueling wider regional tensions, as reported by the Daily Sabah on November 28.

The group further urged the Israeli government to "obey its obligations under international law and protect Palestinians in occupied territories," stressing Israeli authorities must ensure accountability for these attacks.

"We urge the Israeli government to hold those responsible for and prevent further violence by addressing the root causes of the problem," reads the E4 statement.

Reaffirming their old position regarding the conflict, E4 said they remained against "all forms of annexation in part, in total, as well as de facto and settlement policies that violate international law."

They also reiterated support for the negotiated Two-State Solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living "accompanied in peace and security."

The group again emphasized its urgency to stop the riots.

"These attacks must be stopped. These attacks spread terror among civilians, undermine ongoing peace efforts, and ultimately jeopardize Israel's own long-term security," exclaimed E4.

Separately, the United Nations on Friday warned that conditions in the occupied West Bank were deteriorating, citing a sharp increase in violence that had caused Palestinian civilians to face an increase in casualties, evacuation, and insecurity.

Israel's army has stepped up attacks on the West Bank since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.

More than 1,076 Palestinians have been killed, and 10,700 others injured in attacks by soldiers and illegal settlers in occupied areas. In addition, more than 20,500 people have also been arrested.

In its July ruling, the International Court declared Israel's occupation of illegal Palestinian territories and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.