European Powers Demand Israel Curb West Bank Violence and Halt Settlement Expansion

In a rare and unified statement, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint demand for Israel to take immediate steps to curb violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and to halt controversial settlement plans. The statement, released Thursday, condemns a sharp rise in settler-led attacks and urges the Israeli government to uphold international law and protect Palestinian civilians.

"We strongly condemn the massive increase of settler violence against Palestinian civilians and call for stability in the West Bank," the ministers declared, emphasizing their concern over mounting chaos and deteriorating security in the region.

Recent weeks have seen a disturbing surge in violent incidents, including assaults on Palestinian civilians, the burning of homes and vehicles, and even attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians. The escalation has drawn condemnation across the Israeli political spectrum, including from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

One especially harrowing case involved a Palestinian woman helping with the olive harvest. According to reports, she was attacked with a club and a stone, suffering a serious brain hemorrhage and other critical injuries. The woman was hospitalized, sparking outrage and renewed calls for accountability.

“These attacks must stop,” the joint statement read. “They instill fear among civilians, undermine ongoing peace efforts, and threaten the lasting security of the State of Israel itself.”

The European leaders also directly addressed Israeli leadership, holding both President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu responsible for quelling the violence and ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted. “We urge the Government of Israel to hold those responsible for these crimes accountable and to prevent further violence by addressing the root causes of this behavior,” the statement urged.

On broader diplomatic issues, the four nations reiterated their opposition to any form of annexation be it total, partial, or de facto and specifically criticized Israel’s E1 settlement plan, which they argue would divide the West Bank and jeopardize the prospects of a contiguous Palestinian state.

They also called on Israel to release tax revenues withheld from the Palestinian Authority and to ease banking restrictions, warning that financial collapse in the West Bank would further destabilize the region.

“We reaffirm our commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution,” the statement concluded. “There is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution.”

While the statement reflects longstanding European positions, the timing underscores heightened international scrutiny of the Israeli government’s policies in the West Bank and the urgent need to restore calm, accountability, and hope for peaceful coexistence.

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