The European Union is deeply concerned about the grave escalation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

In Jenin, an Israeli military operation against militants, involving the largest-scale airstrikes on the city in decades, has left at least ten Palestinians dead and dozens injured.

Today a serious terrorist attack took place again in Tel Aviv. We condemn all terrorist attacks, for which there can be no justification. 

As expressed in previous statements, the EU equally condemns attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

All these events are a reminder of the fragility of the situation on the ground, in the absence of prospects for a political solution.

The European Union has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the increasingly high number of casualties of the violence this year.

The EU continues to stress that civilians, especially children, must be protected under all circumstances and that the use of force must be proportionate and only a means of last resort, when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life, in line with international humanitarian law.

The EU has consistently reiterated its fundamental commitment to Israel’s security, and to the prevention of and fight against terrorism in all its forms.

We call to strengthen the Palestinian Authority so that it can re-establish security control of all of Area A of the occupied Palestinian territory in accordance with the agreements in place.

We call on Israel to respect its obligations under international agreements, and we call on the Palestinian Authority to continue security coordination with Israel.

The European Union urges all parties to de-escalate the situation and to end the vicious cycle of violence.

Sustainable security can only be achieved through a political solution to the conflict, which allows Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, dignity, and prosperity. It is crucial that both parties engage meaningfully and in good faith to reopen a political horizon towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict. The European Union stands ready to support such efforts.