Paris, July 25, 2024 – France was left deeply saddened by the news of Odeh Hathalin’s murder, a Palestinian journalist who represented the village of Umm al-Khair in the Masafer Yatta Valley. Hathalin’s tragic loss comes as a stark reminder of the escalating violence against the Palestinian population, with extremist settlers allegedly responsible for numerous killings since 2022.
France unequivocally condemns this heinous act of terrorism, which is part of a broader pattern of violence inflicted on the Palestinian population in the West Bank. Recent incidents in Kafr Malik and the Christian village of Taybeh serve as grim examples of the ongoing brutality.
The international community must hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities. Israel’s authorities have a moral obligation to protect Palestinian civilians and punish perpetrators with impunity. France reiterates its strong condemnation of settlement activity, which is a clear violation of international law. The International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on July 19, 2024, underscored the illegitimacy of such actions.
France has already taken concrete steps to address this issue, adopting sanctions against settlers guilty of violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank through national and European packages. These measures demonstrate our commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
France will continue to support efforts by the EU to adopt further measures aimed at addressing this crisis. If the situation does not improve, France is prepared to take additional steps, including imposing sanctions against government officials who support such violence.
A Call for Accountability
The murder of Odeh Hathalin serves as a wake-up call for the international community to reiterate its commitment to protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law. France’s strong stance on this issue sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such violence, and we will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.
The significance of this development lies in its potential to galvanize action against settler violence and promote accountability for those responsible. As the world watches, it is essential that we remember the human cost of these actions and recommit ourselves to finding solutions that prioritize peace, justice, and human dignity.
Conclusion
Odeh Hathalin’s tragic loss will not be forgotten. France’s strong condemnation of this murder marks a turning point in our collective efforts to address the escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. As we move forward, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law.