The European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has condemned attacks “terrorising” Palestinian civilians
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, has denounced the latest assault by Israeli settlers on a Palestinian village in the West Bank, threatening to propose sanctions against their supporters, including those in the Israeli government.
On Thursday, media reports surfaced indicating that masked Israeli settlers had invaded the Palestinian town of Jit in the occupied West Bank.
Nasser Sedda, a leader of the town council, informed CNN that numerous invaders fired bullets, sprayed tear gas at the residents, and set fire to several buildings and vehicles.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the attack, stating that the Israeli assailants had set fires, thrown rocks, and Molotov cocktails before being dispersed by Israeli security forces.
“Day after day, in an almost total impunity, Israeli settlers fuel violence in the occupied West Bank, contributing to endanger any chance of peace,” Borrell stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“The Israeli government must stop these unacceptable actions immediately,” he stated in a follow-up tweet, having confirmed his “intention to table a proposal for EU sanctions against violent settlers’ enablers, including some Israeli government members.”
Palestinian health officials reported, as cited by Euronews, that the violent attack resulted in the death of a 23-year-old Palestinian and critically injured another. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent indicated that two individuals sought medical assistance for injuries sustained from stones, and others required help for smoke inhalation.
Commenting on the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that “those responsible for any offense will be apprehended and tried” with “utmost severity.”
A new wave of hostilities erupted on October 7 after Hamas launched a surprise incursion into southern Israel from Gaza, leading to the deaths of around 1,100 individuals, while 200 others were taken hostage. The extensive Israeli response has claimed over 40,000 lives, while another 92,401 people have been wounded, according to Palestinian health officials.
Israel’s war with Hamas and the siege of Gaza have attracted international criticism in recent months, including threats of sanctions. West Jerusalem has recently experienced a consistent decline in Western support due to the mounting death toll and deepening humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Earlier this week, Borrell criticized two cabinet members, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, over “war crimes,” warning that they could face international sanctions.