European Union imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank

The European Union has imposed sanctions on four entities and three individuals, citing serious human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The sanctioned entities include the Nachala Settlement Movement, Regavim, Hashomer Yosh NGO, and Amana cooperative association of the settler movement Gush Emunim.

According to the EU, these groups have violated a range of rights, including physical and mental integrity, privacy, family life, freedom of religion, education, and others. The sanctions package includes measures targeting Israeli settlers and Hamas leaders, as part of an effort to punish those responsible for human rights abuses.

The sanctioned individuals include Daniella Weiss, director of the Nachala Settlement Movement, Meir Deutsch, director of Regavim, and Avichai Suissa, president of Hashomer Yosh NGO. The EU alleges that these individuals have been involved in coercive acts leading to the forced displacement of Palestinians, as well as supporting violent outposts and settlements.

The sanctions regime, established in 2020, applies to acts such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights violations or abuses. The measures targeting Israeli settlers were long-awaited, having been blocked by Hungary’s former premier Viktor Orban until the appointment of new Prime Minister Peter Magyar lifted the veto earlier this month.

The EU has now sanctioned 136 persons and 41 entities from a range of countries under its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. Israel has condemned the sanctions, asserting that Jews have the right to settle in the occupied West Bank, despite international law violations.

Source: Al Jazeera