West Bank: France “condemns acts of violence in the strongest terms”

France “Strongly condemns acts of violence committed by settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank”and calls on the Israeli authorities “The perpetrators of this violence should be punished immediately”It was announced in the press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday evening, April 16.

The death of an Israeli teenager under unclear circumstances in the occupied West Bank this weekend sparked a major crackdown by settlers, who attacked villages, burned Palestinian homes and cars, and killed at least two people. In addition, two Palestinians were killed Monday in the northern occupied West Bank after clashes with Israeli settlements, the Palestinian Authority-controlled health ministry said Monday.

France “condemns murder” Israeli teenager this weekend “Which in no way can justify this violence”but also “The strongest acts of violence have been committed by settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. “These coordinated armed attacks, carried out in the presence of the Israeli army, have already resulted in the deaths of four Palestinian civilians.”adds the Quai d’Orsay, which condemns “unacceptable actions”.

“France calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately bring to justice the perpetrators of this violence and to ensure the continued protection of all civilians in accordance with their obligations under international law.”– urges the French Ministry in a press release.

“This violence is the result of the continuation of the policy of colonization, which increases tensions and is a serious violation of international law. (…) France, which has already taken measures against violent migrants, is considering new measures with its partners.Emphasize once again.

At least 468 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the West Bank since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Authority. Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, home to more than 490,000 Israelis, are all illegal under international law.