BIRMINGHAM, England

Switzerland on Thursday condemned a recent surge in violence in the West Bank, saying attacks by "extremist settlers" are undermining stability and prospects for peace.

In a statement posted through US social media company X, the Middle East and North Africa division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said seven Palestinians have been killed since Feb. 28 in what it described as settler attacks targeting communities.

Switzerland said the violence risks further escalation and weakens efforts toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It called on Israel to protect civilians, ensure accountability for those responsible, and uphold international law.

The statement reflects growing international concern over continuous killings by illegal settlers in the West Bank amid the ongoing armed conflict in the region.

Since the start of the Gaza war on Oct. 8, 2023, attacks by Israeli forces and illegal settlers in the West Bank have killed 1,133 Palestinians, injured about 11,700 others, and led to the arrest of roughly 22,000 people.

The US and Israel have continued a joint offensive on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far more than 1,200 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.