Macron Threatens Sanctions Against Israeli Settlers Amid Rising Tensions in West Bank

French President Emmanuel Macron has threatened to impose new sanctions on Israeli settlers responsible for violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. In a conversation with Jordan's King Abdullah II, Macron firmly condemned recent Israeli announcements about settlements in the West Bank, terming them contrary to international law.

Tensions have mounted in the occupied territories since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which set off the Gaza war. At least 488 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank since then, according to the article. The European Union has already imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers and two settler organizations for violence against Palestinians.

Macron and King Abdullah also expressed deep concern about the prospect of an Israeli offensive on Rafah in Gaza, where more than 1.5 million people are seeking refuge. They reiterated their opposition to such an operation and called for an immediate and durable ceasefire to allow urgent aid deliveries and the protection of civilians. Macron also repeated that the liberation of hostages held by Hamas is an absolute priority for France.

Why this matters: The rising tensions and violence in the West Bank have significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional stability. The threat of sanctions by France and the EU against Israeli settlers highlights the international community's growing concern over the situation and its potential to escalate further.

Since the start of 2023, Israeli authorities have declared nearly 1,100 hectares of the West Bank as 'state land', giving the government full control over how the land is used. This move has further exacerbated tensions in the region. Macron's office said that France is considering extending sanctions on Israeli settlers behind the violence, underscoring the severity of the situation and the need for international intervention to prevent further escalation.

Key Takeaways

• Macron threatens new sanctions on Israeli settlers over West Bank violence
• 488 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops or settlers in West Bank since Oct 2023
• EU already sanctioned 4 Israeli settlers and 2 settler orgs for violence
• Macron and Jordan's King concerned about potential Israeli offensive on Rafah, Gaza
• Israel declared 1,100 hectares of West Bank as 'state land' in 2023, escalating tensions