EU Approves New Sanctions on Israeli Settlers and Hamas Leaders

European Union foreign ministers have agreed on a new sanctions package targeting violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and several senior Hamas figures, marking a significant shift in EU foreign policy toward the Middle East conflict. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the decision on Monday, saying the bloc had finally overcome months of political deadlock.

The sanctions reportedly target three Israeli settlers and four settler organizations accused of involvement in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The names of those affected have not yet been officially released. The measures had previously been delayed due to opposition from Hungary’s former government, which was replaced following last month’s election.

European leaders have increasingly voiced concern over rising settler violence in the West Bank amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Kallas stated that “extremism and violence carry consequences,” emphasizing that the EU was committed to taking action after prolonged diplomatic disagreements.

Israel strongly condemned the EU’s decision. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the sanctions as politically motivated and accused the European Union of creating a false moral comparison between Israeli citizens and Hamas militants. He argued there was no legal or factual basis for targeting Israeli settlers.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also attacked the move, claiming the EU had demonstrated “moral bankruptcy” by equating Israeli citizens with Hamas terrorists while Israel and the United States continue fighting extremist groups in the region.

Hamas also rejected the sanctions. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim accused the European Union of hypocrisy and racism, arguing that the bloc was unfairly comparing what he called victims defending themselves with a state accused of violating international law.

The latest EU sanctions highlight growing international tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and signal a tougher European stance on violence in the occupied West Bank.