EU calls for accountability over settler attacks in occupied West Bank

The European Union has renewed its condemnation of settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, calling for full accountability and stressing that those responsible must be held to account without exception.

The EU representative in Jerusalem, Alexander Stutzmann, made the remarks during a field visit to the Youth Village of the Sharek Youth Forum, west of Ramallah, attended by several EU ambassadors.

“Settler attacks are unacceptable, and concrete measures must be taken to prevent their recurrence,” Stutzmann said, adding that the EU has previously taken action against settlers involved in violence against Palestinians.

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He also said attacks targeting a village dedicated to youth programmes were “absolutely unacceptable” to the European Union, warning that the issue would remain under close scrutiny “until the attacks cease and their recurrence is prevented”.

The Youth Village has reportedly been subjected to repeated raids and attacks by settlers, including theft, damage to facilities, the cutting of electrical wires, and the dumping of debris. The introduction of dogs at the site was also reported as part of attempts to intimidate activists and push them away.

The Youth Village is described as the first eco-educational and sports village in Palestine and the Middle East. It was established through volunteer-led projects, with organisers estimating its total cost at around $600,000.

READ: UN rights office warns settler violence is undermining Palestinian presence in West Bank