EU Urges Stricter Measures Against Israel Amid West Bank Violence

(MENAFN) The European Union on Tuesday reaffirmed its push for additional restrictions targeting Israeli occupiers and entities that support them, as violence escalates in the occupied West Bank.

At a midday press briefing, EU Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said, in response to a question, that the bloc’s stance "has been taken at the highest level," including by leaders at the European Council.

"We strongly condemn Israel's unilateral actions aiming to expand its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem," El Anouni said, referencing the International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which declared such actions unlawful.

He called on Israel to reverse these measures, adhere to its international law obligations, and ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories.

Regarding settler violence, El Anouni said the EU has "strongly condemned and will continue to do so the growing settler violence against Palestinian civilians, including violence against Christian communities."

"We reiterate our call again in terms of the work forward on further restrictive measures against extremist settlers and entities, together with organizations that are supporting them," he added.

However, he emphasized that implementing sanctions requires unanimous agreement among EU member states.

"We have 26 member states that have been in favor of the adoption of further sanctions against extremist settlers. But we need to have 27 out of 27," El Anouni said.

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