France sharply condemned Israeli settler violence in the West Bank on Tuesday, explicitly labeling it “terrorism,” as officials denounced the murder of Palestinian activist Awdah Muhammad Hathaleen, a teacher and key contributor to an Oscar-winning documentary.
A French foreign ministry spokesman stated firmly, “France condemns this murder with the utmost firmness.” He further denounced “all deliberate acts of violence by extremist settlers against Palestinians multiplying across the West Bank.” Consequently, France demanded Israeli authorities immediately sanction perpetrators acting with “complete impunity.” Furthermore, officials urged stronger protection for Palestinian civilians facing such attacks.
Victim Linked to Oscar-Winning Documentary
Palestinian authorities confirmed Israeli settlers killed Hathaleen during an attack on Umm al-Khair village near Hebron on Monday. Notably, Hathaleen resided in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of hamlets south of Hebron declared an Israeli military zone, with his community’s struggle against home demolitions featuring prominently in “No Other Land.” This documentary, co-directed by Israeli Yuval Abraham, won the Best Documentary Oscar in March. Abraham shared an Instagram video showing a settler arguing before shooting Hathaleen in the lungs.
Meanwhile, Israeli police confirmed investigating an incident near the Carmel settlement adjacent to Umm al-Khair, noting that one Israeli citizen was arrested for questioning regarding the event. Consequently, tensions remain extremely high across the occupied territory. Approximately three million Palestinians live alongside nearly 500,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank, though the International law considers these settlements illegal.
Casualty Toll Rises Significantly
Israeli forces or settlers have killed at least 962 Palestinians in the West Bank since the Gaza war began in October 2023, including both fighters and civilians. Conversely, official Israeli data reports at least 36 Israelis killed there during Palestinian attacks or military operations. This stark contrast highlights the conflict’s devastating human cost for both populations. France’s strong stance underscores growing international concern over unchecked settler violence.
