The sanctions that the EU will impose on some members of the settler movement who attack Palestinian communities in the West Bank represent an “important step forward.” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said this in Brussels on the sidelines of the EU Council. “A situation that had been stuck for months has been unblocked. We have always encouraged Hungary to accept our proposals as well,” he added.

“Now,” he continued, “the situation has been unblocked, so there will be sanctions for these violent settlers. In addition, there will be sanctions for some representatives of Hamas. Regarding trade measures-possible commercial actions to sanction the most violent settlers through a customs blockade of their products-we are awaiting a proposal from the Commission.”

At the Council “there was a debate. We will see what the Commission’s proposal will be; we will see whether unanimity is required or a qualified majority. No decision has been taken, pending the proposals that will come. For now, therefore, sanctions on violent settlers and sanctions on some representatives of Hamas. This is already an important step forward,” Tajani concludes.