Brussels, 31/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 30 January the EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recalled the need for security forces, whether Israeli or Palestinian, “to refrain from use of lethal force, except in cases where there is a real and imminent threat to life”. In a press release, the missions spoke of their deep concern at the number of Palestinians killed recently in the occupied Palestinian territories, in separate incidents “involving recourse by Israeli forces to lethal force”. “It is important that any such incidents are investigated thoroughly”, the missions stated, noting that the Israeli authorities have launched investigations into each case and that Israel's commander of operations in the West Bank has ordered an immediate review of the rules of engagement.
The EU missions also expressed their concern at the continuing incursions by Israeli forces into Area A (where the Palestinian Authority assumes the powers for public order) because the incursions “put in jeopardy” the building effort of the Palestinian institutions. (CG/transl.fl)