The European Union and the United Kingdom have called on Israel to stop the recent rise in violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Officials say the attacks have increased since the start of Israel’s conflict with Iran.
According to the United Nations, at least six Palestinians have died in settler-related attacks across the Israeli-occupied West Bank over the past 11 days.
The UK government said it was “appalled” by the killings. EU officials also described the violence as unacceptable and urged Israel to ensure accountability.
Israel Condemns the Violence
The Israel Defense Forces condemned the incidents. The military said it is working to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Israel has built around 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the Six-Day War. About 700,000 Israeli settlers now live in these areas.
Around 3.3 million Palestinians also live in the territory. Palestinians hope the region will form part of a future independent state.
Many countries consider these settlements illegal under international law.
Deadly Attack in Abu Falah
Three Palestinians died during a settler attack on the village of Khirbet Abu Falah, located northeast of Ramallah.
Witnesses told Reuters that dozens of settlers entered the village before dawn. Residents confronted them, some throwing stones. Armed settlers then opened fire.
The Palestinian health ministry said two victims, Thaer Hamayel, 24, and Farea Hamayel, 57, were shot in the head and died.
Another resident, Mohammed Murra, 55, later died in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest linked to tear gas inhalation.
Israeli security forces said they had been sent to the area after reports of an attack. Authorities confirmed that a criminal investigation had begun.
Shooting in South Hebron Hills
Another incident occurred near Susya in the South Hebron Hills.
Amir Shanaran, 28, was shot and killed by settlers. His brother Khaled Shanaran, 34, was seriously wounded.
Local officials said settlers entered nearby homes and attacked members of the Shanaran family.
The Israeli military said the incident began as a violent confrontation between Israelis and Palestinians. Initial reports suggested that a reserve soldier fired the shots.
Additional Killings Reported
Earlier in the week, two brothers were killed in an attack on the Palestinian village of Qaryut, located between Ramallah and Nablus.
According to the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem, the victims were Mohammed Azem, 51, and Fahim Azem, 47.
Another rights organization, Yesh Din, reported 109 incidents of settler violence during the first ten days of the Iran conflict.
These incidents included shootings, physical assaults, property damage, and threats across 62 Palestinian communities.
International Concerns Grow
Hussein al-Sheikh described the attacks as a serious escalation of settler violence. He called on the international community to impose strong measures against those responsible.
Meanwhile, the commander of Israel’s Central Command, Avi Bluth, said the army takes such incidents seriously.
He stated that civilians who take the law into their own hands will face consequences.
Calls for Accountability
The British consulate in Jerusalem urged Israel to support its statements with quick investigations and accountability.
EU officials also warned that failing to punish perpetrators could trigger more violence.
They urged Israel to fulfil its obligations under international law and protect Palestinians living in occupied territories.
