European Union condemns settler terrorism and demands Israel stop settlement expansion
Agencies2 min read
Share
The European Union has expressed deep concern over the escalation of settler terrorism in the occupied West Bank, reiterating its condemnation of the "violent activities of colonists" against Palestinians.
European Commission spokesperson for foreign affairs, Anwar Al-Anouni, told reporters at his daily press briefing on Tuesday evening: "The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated that the violent settler activities we are witnessing in the West Bank are of grave concern, and we, in coordination with member states, have denounced these acts."
Al-Anouni pointed out that "settlements" are considered illegal under international law, noting that the EU consistently calls on Israel to halt all "settlement activities and the expansion of settlements," as reported by Wafa.
The spokesperson mentioned that the EU has taken certain steps against Israelis involved in acts of violence against Palestinians, adding: "As the European Union, we have adopted three packages of sanctions against extremist settlers and organizations associated with them, within the framework of the EU's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime."
He added: "These sanctions target 12 individuals and 9 organizations, and I would like to remind you that there are proposals for additional sanctions currently under discussion in the Council."
On the other hand, Al-Anouni indicated that no results have been issued yet by the Council of the European Union in this regard, adding: "Therefore, the decision regarding the next steps rests with the member states."
