Western countries, EU condemn 'extremist' settler violence in occupied West Bank

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - A group of Western nations and the EU on Friday condemned the "violent acts committed by extremist settlers, which are terrorising Palestinian communities" in the occupied West Bank, urging Israel to take immediate action against "record high settler violence."

A joint statement from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the EU, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK called on Israel "to take immediate and concrete steps to tackle record high settler violence in the occupied West Bank."

They also expressed "grave concern about the record number of attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank."

"Since the start of October, settlers have committed more than 343 violent attacks, killing 8 Palestinian civilians, injuring more than 83, and forcing 1026 Palestinians from their homes," the statement said.

"We strongly condemn the violent acts committed by extremist settlers, which are terrorising Palestinian communities," the statement also said.

"We reiterate our position that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law and remind Israel of its obligations under international law, in particular Article 49 of Geneva Convention IV."

It said the rise in extremist settler violence against Palestinians is unacceptable and "Israel, as the occupying power, must protect the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank."

It further added: "Israel's failure to protect Palestinians and prosecute extremist settlers has led to an environment of near complete impunity in which settler violence has reached unprecedented levels.

"This undermines security in the West Bank and the region and threatens prospects for a lasting peace."

The statement also said that "words are important, but must now be translated into action," pointing to Israel's statement on this issue on Nov. 9, where "it conveyed that action would be taken against violent perpetrators."