France to Impose Travel Bans on Violent Israeli Settlers, Reports Reuters

By John Irish

PARIS (Reuters) – France has announced a ban on 28 Israeli settlers from entering the country, accusing them of assaults on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, according to a statement from its foreign ministry on Tuesday.

The ministry noted that these actions come in response to a rise in violence by settlers against the Palestinian population in recent months. France reiterated its strong condemnation of such violence, which it described as unacceptable.

The identities of those affected by the ban were not disclosed.

U.N. data indicates that the frequency of settler attacks has more than doubled since the surprise assault by Hamas on Israel on October 7, which was followed by intensified military action in the Gaza Strip.

Although much of the global focus has been on the conflict across the border and the war in Gaza, European officials have expressed growing concern over the escalating violence faced by Palestinians in the West Bank.

The United States and the United Kingdom share similar concerns, having already enacted sanctions against several settlers they believe are responsible for acts of violence.

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, mentioned in December his intention to propose comparable measures.

Paris has supported this initiative, and diplomats express hope that as the measures take shape, they will help accelerate the European Union’s actions.

A joint statement from the foreign ministers of France, Poland, and Germany issued on Monday condemned the violence by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank and declared that it "shall be sanctioned."

However, EU actions have faced delays due to objections from Hungary and the Czech Republic. Diplomats suggest that a compromise may be achieved in the future, potentially coinciding with additional EU sanctions against Hamas.

The French foreign ministry emphasized that "colonization is illegal under international law and must stop," adding that its continuation impedes the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, which they see as the only feasible path for Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and securely.