Diplomats from 13 European countries, along with Canada, have raised concerns about a rise in violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Their response follows a series of recent fatal incidents.
Figures from the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah show that six Palestinians have been shot dead in settler-related attacks since the start of March.
In a joint statement, representatives from countries including France, Spain and the United Kingdom criticised the increase in violence affecting Palestinian communities. They highlighted recent killings and said these incidents add to instability in the area.
The group also urged Israeli authorities to act. They called for stronger efforts to prevent attacks and to hold those responsible to account.
Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, also addressed the issue earlier in the week. He described the rise in settler violence as “morally and ethically unacceptable”.
Rising tensions across the West Bank
Around three million Palestinians live in the West Bank, alongside more than 500,000 Israeli settlers in settlements and outposts. International law considers these settlements illegal. Most settlers do not take part in violence, but a small group has been linked to attacks.
Tensions in the West Bank have increased sharply since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza. Violence has continued despite periods of reduced fighting and has increased at times.
Data compiled by AFP, based on figures from the Palestinian health ministry, shows that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza conflict. The victims include both armed individuals and civilians.
Last week, Palestinian authorities said Israeli forces shot and killed a family of four, including two children, while they were travelling in a car. Israeli military and police officials said soldiers opened fire after identifying what they believed was a potential threat.
Israeli sources report that 45 Israelis, including civilians and members of the security forces, have died in Palestinian attacks or during military operations over the same period.
