The French government announced on Tuesday that it is adopting sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The measure targets 28 settlers “who have been guilty of violence against Palestinian civilians” with an administrative ban on entering French territory.
The French Foreign Ministry said violence against Palestinians has been increasing in recent months and insisted that it is the Israeli authorities’ responsibility to “put an end to it and prosecute its perpetrators.” It also said France is in favour of European Union-wide sanctions against extremist settlers and is working with partners on this issue. “Settlement activity is illegal under international law and must stop. Its continuation is incompatible with the creation of a viable Palestinian State, which is the only solution to ensure that Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security,” the ministry stated.