EU chief calls for sanctions on ‘extremist’ Israeli settlers

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called on Wednesday for imposing sanctions on “extremist” Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

“The rise in violence by extremist settlers is inflicting immense suffering on the Palestinians. It undermines the prospects for a lasting peace and could further exacerbate regional instability,” she told EU lawmakers.

“I am in favor of sanctioning those involved in the attacks in the West Bank. They must be held accountable,” she added.

This comes after European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday that he will put forward a proposal to sanction those settlers.

This move comes after the United States said it will refuse visas to settlers who incite violence in the West Bank.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has recently demanded an immediate ceasefire.

“We must say enough is enough, enough to the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza,” Sanchez told the European Parliament.

“The bombing must stop immediately.” he added.