The European Council of the European Union (EU) has condemned the sharp rise in violence against Palestinian civilians, including violence against Christian communities, by Israeli settlers.

In the conclusions of the summit dedicated to the Middle East, the policy and threats of forced displacement and annexation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, were condemned.

According to the document publicized Thursday evening, the European Council calls on the Israeli government to uphold its obligations and protect, in accordance with international law, the Palestinian population in the occupied territories.

Also, the document calls on Israeli authorities to halt the expansion of their new settlements, which is illegal under international law.

In addition, the European Council proposes that the EU Council continue the work to take further restrictive measures against extremist Israeli settlers and the organizations supporting them.