Bethlehem/PNN/

Reacting to the Israeli killing of a Palestinian youth near Nablus today, the European Union said it was gravely concerned about Israel's excessive use of lethal force against the Palestinians in the occupied territories.

"Gravely concerned about the increasing level of violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem," said the EU in a tweet making reference to the Israeli army killing 10 Palestinians In the last 72 hours alone, "in what appears to be an excessive use of lethal force," adding, "2022 is the deadliest year since 2006, with 140 Palestinians killed."

The EU said, "According to international law, use of lethal force is strictly limited to situations in which there exists a serious and imminent threat to life and limb. Civilian casualties must be investigated and accountability ensured."