The Diplomat
The Foreign Ministries of France, Germany, Italy and Spain issued a joint statement yesterday calling the ongoing tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, “very worrying” and urging “all parties” to avoid “any provocation and unilateral action.”
“At least 120 Palestinians and 20 Israelis have been killed in 2022, and the number of injured is even higher,” the four Ministries assured. “We also note with utmost concern the increase in violence, including by settlers,” they continued. “In view of this situation, it is of vital importance to stop the escalation of the conflict” and, therefore, “we demand that all parties avoid any provocation and unilateral action to reduce tension and restore calm,” the statement warned.
“Israel has the right to defend itself against armed attacks and to hold the perpetrators accountable,” but, “in doing so, it must respect the principles of international law and international humanitarian law,” the four governments said. Also, they added, “Palestinian security control in Area A must be facilitated and effective security coordination restored.”
“The current tensions are a reminder of the urgent need to regain the political perspective to implement the two-state solution, the only one that will permanently guarantee Israelis and Palestinians a secure and peaceful life,” the communiqué concluded.
