Brussels - The European Union on Friday urged Israel to put an end to "brutal" attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.

"The European Union once again condemns in the strongest possible terms the acts of violence and brutality committed against Palestinian civilians by Israeli settlers in the West Bank," said a statement issued by the French presidency of the EU on behalf of the bloc's 27 member states.

"The European Union would point out that it is up to the Israeli government, which has itself condemned these acts, to take the necessary measures to stop them immediately, in accordance with its international obligations," the EU said.

EU governments expressed particular concern at the fact that the violence was disrupting the olive harvest, which is "vital to the economy of the Palestinian territories".

The statement follows reports of clashes taking place on Thursday and Friday after Israeli soldiers moved to destroy an illegal building at a farm near Hebron.

Israeli media said masked right-wing activists stormed a nearby Palestinian house, hurling stones and causing heavy damage. A photographer was also reported to have been slightly injured during the clashes. (dpa)