The European Union has strongly condemned attacks by Israeli settlers on visiting European diplomats in the occupied West Bank, calling for accountability and effective measures to stop escalating settler violence against Palestinians.

In a statement on Sunday, the EU’s foreign service condemned the latest attacks by what it described as violent settlers, including an incident targeting a European diplomatic delegation on Saturday.

The statement called for “full accountability” and effective measures to prevent further violence and harassment against Palestinians, particularly during the ongoing olive harvest season, as well as against journalists.

“We urge Israel to fully abide by International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, and to cease the expansion of settlements,” the statement said.

The condemnation came after Israeli settlers attacked a convoy carrying European diplomats in the occupied West Bank on Saturday and assaulted a visiting French mayor, according to witnesses.

The incidents have renewed concerns over settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, where Palestinians face attacks and harassment amid continued Israeli settlement expansion.

The EU also highlighted violence against journalists, following a separate incident in which an American photojournalist was injured in a brutal settler attack. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of a potential “crisis” in the West Bank a day after that incident.

The attacks have intensified calls for Israel to be held accountable for violence against Palestinians and international representatives in the occupied territory. The EU’s statement urged concrete action to protect civilians and journalists and to halt settlement expansion, which is widely considered illegal under international law. (ILKHA)