Borrell condemns attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, spoke this Tuesday about Israel’s response to escalating violence in the West Bank in the wake of Hamas’s attacks on October 7. His comments came as diplomatic channels with key regional players continued to be active, underscoring the EU’s commitment to quiet, principled diplomacy during a period of heightened tension. The EU’s leadership has consistently urged restraint from all sides and stressed the imperative of protecting civilians amid ongoing clashes and provocations along the front lines of the conflict.
In a concerted effort to assess the situation, a number of high-level contacts were renewed with foreign affairs authorities from several states and organizations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. These exchanges highlighted the EU’s aim to coordinate a regional response that reduces escalation and supports humanitarian needs, while reaffirming international expectations that forces on the ground adhere to international law and protect civilian life. The discussions also reflected a broader concern that violence in the West Bank could spill over into neighboring areas, complicating regional stability and jeopardizing any path toward durable peace.
Among the EU’s core messages, Borrell’s office emphasized that there is a grave duty for all parties to safeguard civilians and to prevent further harm from settler violence in the occupied territories. He stressed that attacks against Palestinians are unacceptable and run counter to the commitments enshrined in international humanitarian law. The EU’s stance calls for accountability and for steps that reduce violence, protect vulnerable communities, and create space for constructive dialogue. The High Representative’s team noted that the EU would continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinate with international partners, and advocate for measures that restore calm and protect human rights, while ensuring that security needs are addressed within a lawful framework. The EU’s objective remains clear: to support a sustainable, peaceful resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all people in the region, and to work with partners to prevent further cycles of violence that threaten regional stability. [Attribution: European External Action Service report on recent developments in the Middle East]