Diplomats from 13 European countries and Canada have condemned what they described as increasing 'settler terror' against Palestinians in the Israeli occupied West Bank, following a recent surge in deadly attacks. Since the beginning of March, six Palestinians have reportedly been shot dead in settler attacks, according to figures from the Ramallah based health ministry.

In a joint statement, the diplomats denounced violence by settler militias and criticized Israeli security forces for their role in what they called a coercive environment aimed at forcing Palestinians from their homes. They urged Israeli authorities to prevent and prosecute lethal violence, raids, and attacks targeting Palestinian communities.

The escalation comes amid a broader rise in violence in the West Bank since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. According to Palestinian health officials, more than 1,050 Palestinians have been killed in the territory since the conflict began, while official Israeli figures report that 45 Israelis have died in Palestinian attacks or during military operations.