EU Imposes New Sanctions on Israeli Settlers and Hamas Leaders

The European Union has announced a new set of sanctions aimed at Israeli settlers implicated in violence in the occupied West Bank, as well as key figures within Hamas. This agreement was confirmed by the EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, on Monday.

The sanctions package had been stalled for months due to opposition from Hungary's previous government, which recently lost an election. Targets include three settlers and four settler organizations, though their identities remain undisclosed. The EU's decision was influenced by increased reports of violence against Palestinians in the region.

Kallas emphasized the urgency of action, stating, "It was high time we move from deadlock to delivery." Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the EU's measures as politically motivated and unfounded, highlighting a perceived moral imbalance in comparing Israeli citizens to Hamas terrorists.

(With inputs from agencies.)