United Nations Human Rights Council

53^th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Occupied Palestinian Territory

10 July 2023

Thank you Madam/Mister (Vice) President, 

We take note of the Special Rapporteur report and express regret that she has not been allowed to visit the territory. We also reiterate that the human rights situation in the oPt should be properly addressed by the Council as any other specific country situation under item 4 or other item.

We echo the statements recently made by the UN Security Council and by the High Commissioner, in particular on the importance of holding accountable those responsible for acts of violence.

The EU is concerned about the increasingly high number of civilian casualties, including women and children. While recognising Israel’s right to defend itself and to protect its civilian population, the EU recalls that the use of force must be proportionate and in line with international human rights law and international humanitarian law and only as a last resort when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. The EU reiterates its fundamental commitment to Israel’s security, strongly condemns all forms of terrorism, including recent terror attacks in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem, as well as indiscriminate launching of rockets by Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorist groups into Israel.

The EU remains concerned about the extensive recourse by Israel to administrative detention without formal charge. It calls on Israel to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of Palestinians minors, faced with arrest and detention, in line with international obligations and standards regarding the detention of children.

The EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and activities, including in and around East Jerusalem. Settlements are illegal under international law. The EU calls on Israel to halt continued settlement expansion, regularization under Israeli law of illegal outposts, evictions, demolitions and forced transfers. The EU firmly condemns settler violence, including the recent outbreak, and calls for prevention and accountability.

I thank you.