West: Stop the Settler Violence in the West Bank Now
Recent events in the West Bank have sparked international concern and calls for action. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, Jewish settlers have retaliated with violence against Palestinians. Countries like the UK, France, and the EU are now urging for an end to this violence, believing that Israel has a responsibility to act.
Several Western nations, including Australia, Great Britain, Canada, France, and various European countries, have called on Israel to halt the senseless violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The French Foreign Ministry, along with these countries, issued a joint appeal, stating, "We condemn the acts of violence by extremist settlers who terrorize Palestinian communities." The increase in violence against Palestinians by these extremist settlers is unacceptable, and it has resulted in more than 340 attacks since the beginning of October. These attacks have led to eight Palestinian civilian deaths, over 80 injuries, and the displacement of around 1,000 Palestinians from their homes.
Israel has a duty to protect the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank. Those responsible for these violent attacks must be held accountable. The signatories also reiterated that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law. They urged Israel to respect its obligations under international law and reminded the government of the significant obstacle that settlements present to a peace settlement, as they hardly allow any contiguous territory for the Palestinians in a possible two-state solution.
Recently, the international community has taken various actions to address settler violence in the West Bank:
- Germany's Call for Action: Germany has expressed concern over the increase in settler violence and the legitimization of these actions by Israeli Cabinet members. The German Foreign Ministry called for immediate action from Israel to clamp down on violent settlers.
- NGO Demands for UK Action: A group of NGOs in the UK urged the government to take immediate action in response to escalating violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. They called for an end to the violence, held Israeli authorities accountable, and ensured the protection of Palestinians' rights under international law.
- UN Human Rights Office's Alarm: The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has expressed grave concerns over escalating violence in the Jenin area of the occupied West Bank. OHCHR called for investigations into alleged unlawful killings and emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable. The office warned that Israel’s failure to hold its security forces accountable for unlawful killings risks perpetuating violence.
- International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion: The International Court of Justice declared Israel's decades-long occupation of Palestinian land illegal and demanded the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Despite this, violence continues, and international bodies are urging Israel to comply with international law and halt settlement expansion and settler violence.
- UN Relief Efforts and Calls for Peace: The UN, alongside humanitarian partners, continues to support communities in need across the Gaza Strip. The UN has also called for an immediate end to the violence in the West Bank and urged all parties, including third states with influence, to ensure peace is achieved in the region.
The international community's recent actions reflect a united stance against settler violence and a call for Israel to adhere to international law, protect Palestinian rights, and halt settlement expansion.
