France proposes that the European Union impose sanctions on Israeli settlers

France said on Wednesday that the European Union should consider as an option imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers who target Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, and that talks in the European Union to impose sanctions on Hamas leaders are making progress .

UN data shows that daily settler attacks have more than doubled since Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel on October 7, and Israel’s subsequent attack on the Gaza Strip. More than 200 Palestinians have been killed in violence in the West Bank this year, including during attacks carried out by settlers.

“We believe the international community has a role to play in putting an end to these acts of violence, which lead to significant instability in the region and also damage the prospects of a two-state solution,” Foreign Office spokeswoman Anne -Claire Legendre. a weekly press conference.

You specified that no options are ruled out, including the imposition of sanctions by the European Union on individuals who practice violence.

A French diplomatic source said Paris supports the European Union sanctions, but discussion on the issue has not yet begun in the bloc.

The United States has said it is ready to ban visas for “extremists” who attack civilians in the West Bank.

A European diplomat warned that some countries in the bloc are not in favor of this idea, although France is eager to promote it.

However, the diplomat said that since some countries oppose some proposed measures against Hamas, efforts to target settlers could convince the hesitant that the approach is balanced.

Legendre also reported that there was progress in talks in Brussels to impose sanctions on Hamas leaders, including asset freezes and travel bans.

Collaborations are also underway with European allies and others to cut funding to Hamas, including through the “No Money for Terrorism” platform, and to counter its propaganda on social media.

The No Money for Terrorism platform is a specialized coalition founded in 2018 with the aim of combating terrorist financing.

On November 13, France imposed national sanctions on Mohammed al-Deif, the military leader of Hamas, and his deputy, Marwan Issa.

Two diplomats said the aim was to add them to the list of terrorists sanctioned by the European Union by mid-December. The diplomats added that the inclusion of other people is being considered, but the preparation of legal files will take more time.