Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom issued a joint diplomatic appeal this week, calling on Israel to honour international law and protect Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank amid what they described as a “massive increase” in extremist settler violence.

The statement condemns recent attacks on Palestinians — including arson, property destruction, assaults and displacement — and urges immediate measures to stabilise the situation.

The appeal comes as independent data confirms a sharp rise in violence: according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at least 264 attacks by settlers against Palestinians were recorded in October 2025 — the highest monthly total on record since tracking began in 2006. The incidents have resulted in injuries, destruction of homes, mosques, vehicles and farmland, and have forced entire families to flee their villages.

Among the most serious allegations is an attack on a Palestinian woman who was collecting olives; witnesses report she was struck in the head with a heavy object, sustaining brain and head injuries, and later required hospitalisation after suffering a subarachnoid hemorrhage and deep lacerations.

Such assaults have intensified during the olive-harvest season, when villagers and seasonal workers — including women and children — are at heightened risk.

The European ministers’ statement also expressed concern that the violence is undermining any prospects for peace and long-term security in the region.

They criticised the failure of Israeli authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and emphasised that stability and justice are essential for protecting civilians and preserving hopes of a negotiated two-state solution.

In response to mounting public and international pressure, top Israeli officials have issued rare condemnations.

The country’s president described the recent wave of violence as “shocking and serious,” and senior military leadership warned of a minority of extremists undermining law and order.

Nevertheless, human rights observers lament the continued impunity, pointing out that convictions remain extremely rare despite growing evidence.

The European appeal underscores growing concern among international partners over risks to civilian life in the West Bank and signals an expectation that Israel will act — decisively, transparently and consistently — to safeguard protected populations and uphold its obligations under occupation law.