President of France Emmanuel Macron has indicated that Paris is contemplating additional measures to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers found guilty of committing acts of violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank.
This announcement follows a telephone conversation between Macron and King Abdullah II of Jordan, where both leaders vehemently condemned recent Israeli announcements on settlements that contravene international law.
The French Presidency released a statement detailing the discussions, emphasizing that initial actions have already been taken against settlers who have perpetrated violence.
“President Macron noted that preliminary steps have been taken against settlers guilty of violence against Palestinian civilians, and that France, in consultation with its partners, is considering further measures,” the statement read.
In February, the French government implemented sanctions against 28 extremist Israeli settlers who had engaged in violence in the West Bank.
These individuals are now subject to an administrative ban preventing them from entering French territories, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Last week, the European Union also imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers and two groups of extremist Israeli activists due to their violent actions against Palestinians in both the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem.
Additionally, Macron and King Abdullah II discussed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They expressed deep concern over the potential of an Israeli offensive in Rafah, a city where over 1.5 million people have sought refuge.
The leaders reiterated their opposition to such an operation, highlighting the necessity for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to allow for the wide-scale delivery of emergency aid and the protection of civilian populations.
This stance by France and the broader EU reflects growing international impatience with the ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in the region, underscoring a concerted push towards holding accountable those responsible for perpetuating violence.
