The European Union (EU) has expressed its deep concern at the recent escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, which has resulted in large numbers of casualties.
In its statement on Saturday, the EU condemned the attack that took place near the settlement of Eli last week, and also condemned in the strongest terms the attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank.
It explained that the recent violence had so far led to the death of at least one Palestinian, the injury of many others and the large-scale destruction of Palestinian property.
The EU called on Israel to ensure the protection of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories.
It also condemned Israel’s decision to go ahead with plans to build nearly 1,000 housing units in Eli, as part of Israel’s decision to plan ahead for more than 4,500 settlement units in the occupied West Bank, calling on Israel not to proceed with these measures.
In conclusion, the EU urged all parties to take immediate steps to end the violence, stop unilateral actions that fuel tensions, prevent further loss of life, ensure accountability, bring perpetrators to justice and engage in efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Saturday called on the Israeli occupation forces to take further steps to restore calm and reduce escalation.
During a telephone call with his Israeli counterpart Tzahi Hanegbi, Sullivan expressed the US’ concern over recent settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and the destruction of their property in the West Bank.
He stressed the importance of holding those responsible for acts of violence accountable. Sullivan called on all parties to refrain from taking unilateral actions, including settlement activities that fuel tension.
