Heads of Mission and representatives from Belgium, Denmark, EU,
Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands,
Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK visited Beita in
Nablus Governorate. Ireland also attaches itself to this
statement.
The visit took place in response to increasing concerns – across
the West Bank and in Beita in particular – about the rising
levels of settler violence. The visit also touched upon the
worrying establishment of an illegal settlement outpost on top of
Jabal Sabih, on the outskirts of the village, which is causing
regular clashes between Palestinian residents, Israeli settlers
and the Israeli Security Forces (ISF). According to UN OCHA,
since the beginning of May, six Palestinians, including two
children, have been killed around Beita as a result of live fire
from ISF.
During the visit, participants heard from local residents, WBPC
partners, and the Colonization & Wall Resistance Commission
about the developments on the ground, which often result in
violent incidents as the residents live in close proximity to a
settlement outpost. Palestinian residents told attendees how they
feared losing further land and being exposed to more settler
violence. Members of the WBPC and likeminded countries also heard
about the lack of effective preventative measures and sufficient
protection against the perpetrators of settler violence.
According to UN OCHA, the total number of settler attacks across
the West Bank that have resulted in injury and/or property damage
in 2021 has increased by 46 percent compared to the same period
in 2020. Meanwhile, Yesh Din report that 96 percent of
investigations by Israeli authorities into alleged acts of
settler violence do not lead to the filing of an indictment.
All participants reiterated their continued strong opposition to
Israel’s settlement policy and actions taken in this context.
They recalled how Israel, as the occupying power, was obliged to
protect the Palestinian population from attack. Under
international law, Israel has an obligation to maintain public
order in an impartial manner and to protect Palestinians and
their property. Settlers and others who are responsible for
crimes against Palestinians must be held accountable, criminal
activity must be thoroughly investigated and reports brought to
the attention of Israeli authorities by Palestinians followed up
on. Israel should take all necessary measures to ensure effective
prevention and protect Palestinians against violence committed by
settlers.
Visiting Beita, British Consul General Diane Corner said: “We
condemn any incidence of violence by settlers against
Palestinians. We urge the Israeli authorities to address settler
violence and to thoroughly investigate every incident to bring
those responsible to justice and end the culture of impunity.”
Corner added “The UK’s position on settlements is clear: They are
illegal under international law, present an obstacle to peace,
and threaten the physical viability of a two-state solution.”
European Union Representative Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff also
stated via his representative: “For months, the people of Beita
have been exposed to serious incidents of settler violence and
the building of an illegal Israeli outpost on Mount Sabih, which
risks capturing up to 30 % of Beita’s land. These developments
have left many families suffering. Several Palestinians lost
their lives, including two children. The policy of settlement
construction and expansion in occupied Palestinian territory,
including in East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law,
and Israel must protect the Palestinian population from these
violent attacks.”
