We condemn yesterday’s attack by a group of Israeli settlers on the Palestinian town of Kafr Malik in the West Bank, in which over 100 violent settlers attacked Palestinian residents and set fire to homes and vehicles.

In the subsequent confrontation between residents, settlers and the Israeli army, three Palestinians were killed and seven other people, including an Israeli soldier, were injured. This incident must be investigated without delay and those responsible must be held to account.

The events in Kafr Malik are further evidence that Israel, as the occupying power, must do much more to protect the Palestinian population in the West Bank from attacks and prevent such incidents in the future.

Israeli settlement-building, which is in breach of international law, is an obstacle on the path to a two-state solution allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace, security and dignity.