Brussels: The EU foreign policy chief has issued a stern condemnation of the violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, labeling the acts as “extremist settler violence.” Josep Borrell, the chief, expressed his concerns on social media platform X, highlighting the rapidly deteriorating situation in both Gaza and the Occupied Territories, and lamented the apparent lack of action to halt the violence.
According to Anadolu Agency, Borrell criticized the actions of the settlers, who have reportedly caused significant destruction, including the torching of vehicles and damage to apartments in Al-Bireh, located in the occupied West Bank. He emphasized the European Union’s strong condemnation of both the violence by extremist settlers and the ongoing expansion of illegal settlements in the region. Borrell urged Israel to fulfill its obligation to protect all civilians and to ensure that those responsible for these violent acts are held accountable.
Additionally, Borrell highlighted the severe impac
t of the conflict on Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, noting that the few remaining operational hospitals in northern Gaza have been subjected to intense targeting. He called for an end to the ongoing conflict, the release of hostages, and the provision of unobstructed humanitarian aid to Gaza. Furthermore, he urged efforts to halt the violence and destruction in the West Bank and to bring an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
The situation has escalated since the Israeli military launched a deadly offensive in northern Gaza on October 5, citing efforts to prevent the Palestinian resistance group Hamas from regrouping. However, Palestinians have accused Israel of attempting to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents. The offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 1,800 people since its onset, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Since October 2023, the conflict has continued unabated despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. L
ocal health authorities report that nearly 43,400 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed, and over 102,200 have been injured as a result of the violence.