France’s Foreign Ministry condemned the seizure of some Palestinian-owned homes by Israeli settlers in Qusra, a town in the northern occupied West Bank. The ministry also strongly criticized acts of violence against civilians in the area.
In a written statement, the ministry called on Israeli authorities to identify those responsible for the actions and bring them to justice.
Call to protect Palestinian civilians
France’s Foreign Ministry said that acts of violence by Israeli settlers in Palestinian territory had increased across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The ministry called on Israeli authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians. The statement stressed that protecting civilians is the responsibility of the Israeli authorities under international law.
Warning over the two-state solution
France once again condemned Israel’s colonial policy. The ministry said that this policy threatened the possibility of a two-state solution and further increased tensions on the ground.
Claim about homes in Qusra
Qusra official Abd al-Azim al-Wadi said that Israeli forces had seized 16 homes belonging to Palestinians and converted them into a military headquarters.
Al-Wadi also said that some Qusra residents had been forced to leave their homes.