France says violence against Palestinian civilians ‘unacceptable’
ANKARA (AA) – Acts of violence against the Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank is “unacceptable,” the French Foreign Ministry has said.
In a statement, the ministry condemned the Huwara attack in which the homes of dozens of Palestinians were torched by Israeli settlers. The incident also claimed the lives of two Israelis as the provocative burning of homes triggered backlash from Palestinians.
“France is following with the greatest concern the ongoing violence in the West Bank, particularly in Huwara, which threatens to spiral out of control,” the ministry said in a statement.
It called on “all parties” to avoid fueling violence and contribute to de-escalation.
The statement said that “as part of its responsibility as the occupying power,” the Israeli government needed to protect Palestinian civilians and prosecute the perpetrators of the late Sunday attack in which Israeli settlers set fire to several homes and vehicles in the northern town of Huwara.