Jerusalem/ PNN / 

Representatives from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom visited Friday the Palestinian community of Turmusaya to express their condolences to the victims of settler attacks on 21 June and to condemn settler violence in the strongest terms.

Diplomats were briefed by the community on the appalling settler violence that occurred in the Palestinian village of Turmusaya on 21 June, and visited several houses that were impacted, meeting affected families.

 The community members testified to the terror they experienced as settlers entered their community, setting homes and property on fire. Visiting diplomats expressed their condolences to the victims.      

Settler violence across the West Bank in recent days has led to the death of one Palestinian, over 12 Palestinians being wounded and extensive damage to property and vehicles. The abovementioned representatives also condemn the terror attack near the settlement of Eli, in which four Israeli civilians were killed. There can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of civilians on any side. It is important for all parties to refrain from escalatory steps. 

Further settlement expansion, including most recently 1,000 new housing units being approved in Eli, is illegal under international law, risks fuelling tensions further, and undermines the viability of a two state solution. 

The violence witnessed in Turmusaya occurs in the context of settler-related violence surging to its highest level since UN records began in 2005. Israel, as the occupying power, must ensure those responsible are brought to justice, and that proactive steps are taken to ensure the protection of Palestinian communities.