On Friday 23 June, the High Representative of the Union, Josep Borrell, underlined the EU’s deep concern at the recent escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, which has resulted in an “appalling” number of Palestinian and Israeli casualties, calling for an end to the cycle of violence.
“The EU urges all parties to take immediate steps to end the deadly cycle of violence, to stop unilateral actions that fuel tensions, to prevent further loss of life, ensure accountability, bring the perpetrators of crimes to justice, and to engage with efforts to create a peaceful resolution of the conflict”, it said in a statement.
It condemned the attack by two Palestinians near the Eli settlement on 20 June, in which four Israelis were killed, and the attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, which led to the death of at least one Palestinian and the “widespread destruction” of Palestinian property. “Israel has the obligation to ensure the protection of civilians in the occupied territory”, said Mr Borrell.
He also condemned Israel’s decision to bring forward the planning of around 1,000 housing units in the Eli settlement in response to Tuesday’s attack, calling on Israel to reverse it. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)