European nations decry ‘increasing settler terror’ in West Bank

Diplomats from 13 European countries and Canada on Saturday slammed growing “terror” by settlers against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, after a surge in deadly attacks. Since the start of March, six Palestinians have been shot dead in settler attacks in the West Bank, according to a tally of data from the Ramallah-based health ministry.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“We strongly condemn increasing settler terror and violence by the Israeli security forces inflicted upon Palestinian communities,” said a joint statement from the diplomatic missions of countries including France, Spain and Britain. “We are especially appalled by the killings of Palestinians over these past weeks. This violence by settler militias, aimed at taking over land and creating a coercive environment, forcing Palestinians to leave their homes, must end.”The statement called on the Israeli authorities to “prevent and prosecute the lethal violence,