UN Security Council members condemn record Israeli settler violence in West Bank

Five European members of the United Nations Security Council have jointly condemned an unprecedented surge in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Citing UN humanitarian data, they pointed to more than 260 attacks in October 2025 alone, declaring it the most violent year on record.

A formal condemnation of policies and violence

Speaking on behalf of the E5 group—Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom—British Ambassador James Kariuki delivered a stern rebuke. "We strongly condemn the unprecedented rise in settler violence against Palestinian civilians of all faiths and denominations," he stated. He warned that ongoing Israeli settlement policies and the allocation of billions in funding for illegal outposts directly contravene Security Council Resolution 2334 and international law, risking regional stability and the viability of a future two-state solution.

Economic pressure and violation of UN premises

The European bloc also raised alarm over economic measures they deem "wholly unjustifiable." These include Israel's withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, restrictions on shekel transfers, and threats to banking relationships, which they argue risk triggering a financial collapse in the West Bank. Furthermore, they expressed shock at an Israeli incursion into a UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem on December 8 without authorization, stressing the inviolable status of UN premises under international law and demanding Israel respect its obligations.

Broader regional context and calls for action

The condemnation aligns with growing international concern over the situation in the occupied territories. The E5 called for an immediate end to movement restrictions, forced displacement, and military operations exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. These developments are closely followed by nations like Türkiye, which has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, consistently calling for an end to occupation, settler violence, and violations of international law, while pushing for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state vision.