EU ready to help parties break ‘vicious cycle’ of violence in West Bank

BRUSSELS (AA): The EU foreign policy chief is “very closely” monitoring the latest developments in the Israel-occupied West Bank and is ready to assist parties in breaking the “vicious cycle” of violence, an official of the bloc has said.

Speaking at the European Commission’s daily news briefing, lead spokesperson for foreign affairs Peter Stano confirmed that EU top diplomat Josep Borrell “is watching and following the situation very closely, as does the whole European Union, all the institutions, and member states.”

He said recent events in Palestine and Israel demonstrate a “vicious cycle of violence that has not stopped despite many calls from the European Union and the international community.”

The EU stresses “the appropriate and measured use of military force in line with international humanitarian law,” Stano claimed.

The bloc condemns every “terrorist attack” and “terrorism” in all its forms, he added.

He stressed the need for a “clear, credible perspective for a political process” and reaffirmed that EU diplomacy is ready to assist talks.

Tensions have been running high across the occupied West Bank in recent months because of repeated Israeli raids into Palestinian towns.

On Monday, Israeli forces launched a massive military onslaught in Jenin refugee camps, killing 12 Palestinians, including five children.

Over 192 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of this year, according to the Health Ministry. Meanwhile, 26 Israelis have been killed in retaliatory attacks.​​​​​​​