LISBON, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel on Wednesday condemned the escalation of violence in the West Bank and called for "maximum restraint," while reiterating the call to protect the civilian population.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rangel expressed "grave concern" at the deteriorating situation and said that "violence by settlers and the expansion of settlements violate international law and continue to undermine the prospects for peace."
The minister reaffirmed Portugal's commitment to a two-state solution as "the only path to achieving a just, lasting and sustainable peace."
The Portuguese government's statement came on the same day the United Nations warned that settler violence and Israel's territorial annexation of the West Bank "are only getting worse," despite the International Court of Justice having declared the occupation illegal two years ago.
Israeli forces carried out overnight operations on Wednesday against the villages of Burin, Madama and Tell in the Nablus governorate of the southern West Bank, detaining 12 Palestinians.
The situation has deteriorated sharply following clashes last week in the Nablus area that left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead, prompting Israel to order a reinforcement of military forces and the seizure of four Palestinian refugee camps.
The United Nations has expressed alarm at Israeli government announcements of plans to expand settlements and unauthorized outposts in the West Bank, while warning that restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement are preventing access to essential services. ■