Euro-MPs say violent Israeli settlers must face justice
(STRASBOURG) - The European Parliament called Thursday for Israeli settlers who commit acts of violence against Palestinians living in occupied east Jerusalem and the West Bank to be brought to justice.
A resolution adopted by the parliament said it "condemns strongly all acts of settler extremism, violence and harassment against Palestinian civilians".
Israel's government must "bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice," it said.
The parliament also urged Israel to halt its settlement construction programme in the occupied territories, which the international community views as illegal, saying it constituted "a major obstacle to peace efforts".
"Current developments in east Jerusalem... make the prospect of Jerusalem becoming the future capital of two states increasingly unlikely and unworkable, undermining the two-state solution," the resolution warned.
The parliament called for "an immediate end to house demolitions, evictions and forced displacement of Palestinians" and improvements to living conditions.
Expanding settlements have left Palestinians facing water and housing shortages, it said.
Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians have been on hold since September 2010, with the Palestinians refusing to resume them without a moratorium on settlement building.
Israel is preparing to resume construction work on its controversial West Bank barrier which has been on hold for around five years because of budget problems and multiple legal appeals filed by Palestinians, public radio reported on Wednesday.
Further information, European Parliament: