EU Agrees Sanctions on Israeli West Bank Settlers and Hamas Leaders
The European Union approved a sanctions package against Israeli settlers accused of violence in the West Bank and against Hamas leaders. The long-awaited deal came after Hungary lifted its veto.
The European Union announced agreement on a long-awaited sanctions package. According to Al Jazeera, the package targets Israeli settlers accused of violence in the West Bank as well as Hamas leaders. The deal became possible after the new Hungarian government lifted its veto.
The sanctions provide for asset freezes, travel bans within the EU, and financial transaction restrictions on those listed. The bloc's High Representative for Foreign Affairs said the package was designed to help reduce violence in the Palestinian territories and to support the political process.
Israel's government said the sanctions were 'unilateral' and 'poorly timed'. The Palestinian Authority described the move as an important step. The decision to also sanction Hamas figures was seen by analysts as a formula intended to maintain Europe's diplomatic balance on the conflict.
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