Brussels: The European Union expressed "deep concern" about the consequences of the ongoing operation of the Israeli occupation forces in the Palestinian refugee camps in the northern part of the West Bank. Over the past 40 days, the military operation has resulted in a large number of casualties and the displacement of around 40,000 Palestinians from their homes, in addition to the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, spokesperson for the EU's foreign affairs Anwar Al-Anouni said in a statement on Saturday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the statement called on the Israeli occupation to "comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law by ensuring the protection of all civilians during military operations and allowing displaced people to return to their homes safely." On another note, the European Union highlighted the ongoing attacks by extremist settlers across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and reminded that "Israel, as an occupying power, is responsible for protecting civilians and holding perpetrators accountable."
The European Union also renewed its condemnation of Israeli settlement expansion policies, stressing the need to "stop demolition operations, including those targeting facilities funded by the EU and its member states." Additionally, the union expressed concern over the "increase in military checkpoints and the tightening of movement restrictions throughout the West Bank, which is exacerbating the economic and humanitarian situation there." It reiterated its commitment to "achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security."