The European Union's twenty-seven foreign ministers unanimously agreed on Monday to impose new sanctions targeting violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, according to multiple reports. The measures also include sanctions against leading Hamas figures. This decision follows a surge in settler violence since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Key Takeaways
The European Union unanimously agreed to impose new sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and Hamas leaders. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans for three individuals and four organizations involved in violence against Palestinians.
- EU foreign ministers agree on sanctions targeting Israeli settlers and Hamas figures
- Measures include asset freezes and travel bans for violents actors
- Hungary's government change lifted previous veto on sanctions
- Israel condemns decision as arbitrary and political
- Sanctions follow a surge in settler violence since the start of the Gaza war
The sanctions package targets three Israeli settlers and four settler organizations, though their identities have not yet been publicly disclosed. According to BBC, these include Daniella Weiss, Meir Deutsch, Avichai Suissa, and organizations like Nachala and Regavim. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated that 'extremism and violence carry consequences.' As reported by The Guardian, the agreement marks a shift from previous deadlocks caused by Hungary's former government under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Israeli officials have strongly condemned the EU's decision. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described it as 'arbitrary and political,' adding that Israel would continue to stand for the right of Jews to settle in the heart of their homeland, per Reuters. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans for those involved in violent activities against Palestinians.
The change in Hungary's government played a crucial role in lifting the veto on these sanctions. As noted by Los Angeles Times, the new Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar allowed the EU to proceed with the agreement. The move has been welcomed by some EU members, including France and Sweden, who have called for increased pressure on Israel to halt its settlement policies.
The decision comes amid escalating violence in the West Bank, where Palestinians face daily threats from Israeli settlers and forces. According to Al Jazeera, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory since the start of Israel's war on Gaza. The EU's sanctions are seen as a step towards addressing these issues but fall short of broader economic measures sought by some member states.
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