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EU Ministers Back Sanctions On Hamas Leaders And Israeli Settler Groups
EU foreign ministers in Brussels unanimously agreed on Monday, May 11, 2026, to impose sanctions on Hamas leaders and Israeli settler figures and groups.[1]
The bloc has not yet published a final list, but Israeli reporting has named settler groups and leaders who could be targeted, including Amana, Nachala, Hashomer Yosh, Regavim and figures such as Daniella Weiss, Meir Deutsch and Avichai Suissa. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the move shows extremism and violence must have consequences and that the bloc is moving from "deadlock to delivery." NPR
UN humanitarian officials report at least 40 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank so far in 2026 amid rising settler-related violence and displacement. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the EU decision as "arbitrary and political" and vowed Israel would continue to back Jewish settlement activity.[1]
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the sanctions are aimed at the main leaders of Hamas and settler figures in response to serious and intolerable acts, framing the measures as a response to both organized militant activity and settler-linked violence.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, May 11, 2026, EU foreign ministers in Brussels unanimously agreed to impose sanctions on Hamas leaders and Israeli settler figures and organizations.
- The EU has not yet published the final sanctions list, but Haaretz reported it may include settler groups Amana, Nachala, Hashomer Yosh and Regavim and leaders Daniella Weiss, Meir Deutsch and Avichai Suissa.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the decision reflects that extremism and violence must have consequences and that the bloc is moving from "deadlock to delivery."
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the sanctions target the main leaders of Hamas and settler leaders in response to serious and intolerable acts.
- Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the move as "arbitrary and political" and vowed Israel would keep backing Jewish settlement activity.
- UN humanitarian officials report at least 40 Palestinians killed so far in 2026 in the West Bank amid growing settler-related violence and displacement.
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