EU Sanctions Violent West Bank Settlers, Israel Condemns 'Arbitrary' Move
European Union foreign ministers agree on sanctions against Israeli settlers and Hamas representatives over violence against Palestinians.
BRUSSELS: European Union foreign ministers have agreed to impose new sanctions on Israeli settlers due to their violent actions against Palestinians.
This decision comes as a change in government in Hungary has lifted the previous blockage on this measure.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on social media that the EU is now sanctioning major Israeli organizations and their leaders responsible for supporting the 'extremist and violent colonization' of the West Bank.
He emphasized that these actions must cease immediately.The decision to target seven settlers or settler organizations was made in response to rising violence and settlement expansion within the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
This move had been previously hindered by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a known ally of Israel.
However, with the replacement of Orban by rival Peter Magyar, who is less aligned with Israel, the EU has been able to proceed with the sanctions.In addition to targeting Israeli settlers, the EU has also agreed to sanction representatives from the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The occupied West Bank has experienced almost daily violence since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, involving both Israeli troops and settlers.
There has been a significant increase in deadly attacks by Israeli settlers since February 28, according to Palestinian officials and the United Nations.Although the EU is moving forward with sanctions against Israeli settlers, there is still no consensus among member states regarding further measures against Israel, such as restricting trade ties.
Several countries have advocated for banning products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.The EU diplomat stated that efforts to impose trade restrictions on products originating from the 'illegitimate' settlements are ongoing.ISRAEL CONDEMNS DECISION AS ‘ARBITRARY AND POLITICAL’Israel has strongly condemned the EU's decision, asserting that Jews have a right to settle in the occupied West Bank.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the EU's sanctions as being 'arbitrary and political,' targeting Israeli citizens based on their political views without any valid justification.
He emphasized Israel's commitment to supporting Jewish settlement rights in the homeland.
This decision comes as a change in government in Hungary has lifted the previous blockage on this measure.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on social media that the EU is now sanctioning major Israeli organizations and their leaders responsible for supporting the 'extremist and violent colonization' of the West Bank.
He emphasized that these actions must cease immediately.The decision to target seven settlers or settler organizations was made in response to rising violence and settlement expansion within the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
This move had been previously hindered by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a known ally of Israel.
However, with the replacement of Orban by rival Peter Magyar, who is less aligned with Israel, the EU has been able to proceed with the sanctions.In addition to targeting Israeli settlers, the EU has also agreed to sanction representatives from the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The occupied West Bank has experienced almost daily violence since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, involving both Israeli troops and settlers.
There has been a significant increase in deadly attacks by Israeli settlers since February 28, according to Palestinian officials and the United Nations.Although the EU is moving forward with sanctions against Israeli settlers, there is still no consensus among member states regarding further measures against Israel, such as restricting trade ties.
Several countries have advocated for banning products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.The EU diplomat stated that efforts to impose trade restrictions on products originating from the 'illegitimate' settlements are ongoing.ISRAEL CONDEMNS DECISION AS ‘ARBITRARY AND POLITICAL’Israel has strongly condemned the EU's decision, asserting that Jews have a right to settle in the occupied West Bank.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the EU's sanctions as being 'arbitrary and political,' targeting Israeli citizens based on their political views without any valid justification.
He emphasized Israel's commitment to supporting Jewish settlement rights in the homeland.