Jerusalem [Israel], June 29:In a recent development, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant engaged in discussions with a senior Palestinian official to address the issue of violence in the occupied West Bank. Gallant's office emphasized Israel's commitment to cracking down on Israeli settlers who have been attacking Palestinian communities.
This announcement comes at a time when the United States has expressed growing concern over the situation in the occupied West Bank, and the United Nations Security Council has called upon all parties involved to work towards deescalating tensions, according to Reuters.
Gallant's office quoted him as stating, "Israel views the violence inflicted upon Palestinian civilians in recent days by extremist elements with gravity." He further assured that Israel would ensure the rioters face the full penalty of the law. The statement emphasized the shared interest of calming tensions in the occupied West Bank for both parties. No immediate comment was received from the Palestinian official's office.
In response to a series of attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages, Israel's military, police, and domestic security service chiefs issued a joint statement, vowing to take countermeasures against what they described as "nationalist terrorism." The UN Security Council, in a statement on Tuesday, called on all parties involved to refrain from unilateral actions that could further fuel tensions and urged restraint to prevent further escalation.
UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland, in his address to the council, highlighted an alarming spike in violence in the West Bank resulting in casualties on both sides. Wennesland expressed particular concern over settler violence, noting large numbers of armed settlers systematically attacking Palestinian villages, sometimes with support from Israeli forces. He emphasized Israel's obligation as the occupying power to protect Palestinians and their property, urging prompt and transparent investigations into all acts of violence. Wennesland also warned that Israel's relentless expansion of illegal settlements was intensifying violence and undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state.
The United States, Israel's closest ally, supported the Security Council statement and echoed Wennesland's concerns. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood stressed the need for all parties to refrain from unilateral actions such as settlement activity, evictions, and the demolition of Palestinian homes, as these actions only serve to further inflame the situation.
This year has witnessed a significant escalation in settler violence and has been one of the deadliest for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces have killed at least 137 Palestinians in the region so far in 2023, while 24 people have lost their lives in Palestinian attacks on the Israeli side.
Source: Qatar Tribune