EU demarche on 14 November 2002 to Israeli Prime Minister's Office on settler harassment and violence against Palestinian civilians, in particular violations of Palestinian olive growers' safety, livelihood and property

The European Union has expressed to the Israeli government its deep concerns over the increased level of settler violence against the Palestinian population in the Occupied Territories.

The harassment by individual settlers and the violent prevention of Palestinian olive farmers from harvesting their crops and the destruction of their olive trees is not acceptable. It comes at a time where thousands of Palestinian families are already hard hit by the economic consequences of conflict and occupation.

The Israeli government has been requested to step up its efforts to immediately and effectively protect Palestinian farmers, their families and their property. Palestinian civilians must be allowed to work and live free from threats against their livelihood and safety. Israeli police and security must continue and intensify measures to enforce law and order in the territories under its control.

The EU has also called for the attention of the Israeli authorities to the reportedly forced departure - due to settler shootings - of a hundred or more villagers from the village of Yanun. Their safe return and rehabilitation should be facilitated urgently.

The EU supports the declared policies of the Israeli government not to harm the civilian Palestinian population, to apply the rule of law and to prosecute individual or organized perpetrators of crimes and violence. Liability towards damage reparation and compensation must follow the rules of law.