EU condemns settler violence in West Bank, proposes sanctions

Israel’s military reported the arrest of an individual involved in recent violence, which led to the death of a Palestinian.

The incident drew strong condemnation from EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who denounced the latest attack by Israeli settlers on a Palestinian village in the West Bank.

Borrell stated that he would propose further sanctions against those supporting such violence, including members of the Israeli government.

"Day after day, in an almost total impunity, Israeli settlers fuel violence in the occupied West Bank, contributing to endanger any chance of peace," Borrell wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on August 16, as per Caliber.Az.

We condemn settlers attacks in Jit, aimed at terrorising Palestinian civilians.

Day after day, in an almost total impunity, Israeli settlers fuel violence in the occupied West Bank, contributing to endanger any chance of peace. 1/2

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) August 16, 2024

He called on the Israeli government to stop these "unacceptable actions" immediately and confirmed his intention to propose EU sanctions against those enabling the violence.

On August 15, masked Israeli settlers stormed the village of Jit in the occupied West Bank, setting homes and cars ablaze, according to reports from Israeli and Palestinian media. The settlers also opened fire and used tear gas on residents, killing a 23-year-old Palestinian and critically injuring another, as reported by Palestinian health officials and local authorities. The Palestinian Red Crescent provided medical assistance to at least three individuals, including two injured by stones and one suffering from smoke inhalation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, expressing his grave concern and emphasizing that it is the army's responsibility to ensure the country's security. "Those responsible for any offence will be apprehended and tried," Netanyahu stated.

The military confirmed the arrest of one civilian involved in the violence and announced an ongoing investigation. Thursday's attack adds to the escalating violence in the West Bank, where 633 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the conflict began, primarily during Israeli raids on Palestinian cities and towns.