BETHLEHEM / PNN /
The European Union strongly condemns and denounces the ongoing violence by Israeli settlers across the occupied West Bank, particularly against Palestinian farmers and olive pickers, said James Rizzo, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Palestine.
In an interview with Munjed Jadou, Editor-in-Chief of the Palestine News Network (PNN), Rizzo said: “We in the European Union have always condemned settler attacks and their harmful impact on Palestinian communities exposed to such violence.”
He added:“We strongly denounce these assaults as they constitute violations of human rights, and the settlements themselves are illegal under international law.”
Responding to a question by Jado regarding measures taken against settlement activity, Rizzo explained:
“As you know, we have adopted decisions imposing sanctions on settlers as individuals and on settler organisations. There are also further measures on the table that may be taken against settlers in the future.”
Rizzo also noted that some EU member states have independently introduced punitive actions against settlers — whether individuals or entities — to express their rejection of what he described as “clear violations of international law.”
Regarding the EU’s support for the Palestinian Authority and people, the deputy ambassador said European aid extends to all sectors of the Palestinian economy, including the olive industry, which he described as “a vital part of Palestinian national identity.”
“This support is very important to us,” he said, “because it helps Palestinians stay on their land and reinforces their right to self-determination by strengthening the economy and resilience. Our assistance in this field is part of the EU’s broader policy of supporting Palestinian rights.”
The interview with Deputy Ambassador Rizzo took place during the Olive Marketing Days, organised by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture with European support.
