A group of diplomatic missions visited the Palestinian community of Huwara in the aftermath of violent attacks by Israeli settlers on 26 February.
Representatives from Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK expressed their condolences to the victims of the attacks and condemned settler violence in the strongest terms.
During their visit to Huwara, diplomats were briefed by community members about the extreme violence unleashed by Israeli settlers. The diplomats were informed that hundreds of Israeli settlers had attacked Huwara and nearby communities, resulting in the death of one Palestinian and the injury of at least 409 others, including 90 children and 136 women.
Community members also testified to the horror they experienced as settlers set their homes and property on fire. The visiting diplomats expressed their deepest condolences to the victims.
The representatives of the diplomatic missions condemned the heinous and violent acts committed by settlers and called on Israel, as the occupying power, to take all necessary measures to protect Palestinians from settler violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
The representatives highlighted their concern about Israel’s failure to protect Palestinians and prosecute violent settlers, particularly at a time when settler violence has reached unprecedented levels.
The diplomatic missions emphasized that settler violence is a result of Israel’s continued settlement activities, which are illegal under international law.
These settlements fuel tensions and undermine the viability of the two-state solution and the prospect for lasting peace in the region. The representatives of the diplomatic missions condemned the killing of both Palestinians and Israelis, rejected all incitement to violence, and called on all parties to exercise restraint.
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