The Council of the European Union sanctioned on Monday extremist Israeli settlers and violent activists blocking humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The move comes in response to systematic human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied territories.
According to the EU Council, five Israeli individuals and three entities were found culpable. Moshe Sharvit and Moshe’s Farm were identified for their violence and threats against Palestinians, violating their fundamental rights. Zvi Bar Yosef and Zvi’s Farm were implicated for the establishment of unauthorized outposts and abuses concerning physical and mental integrity, property rights, and private and family life.
Furthermore, Isaschar Manne was noted for continuous threats and harassment, including restricting Palestinian children’s movements to school. Baruch Marzel and Ben-Zion “Bentzi” Gopstein, both members of extremist groups, were held accountable for inciting discrimination, hostility, or violence. The group Tzav 9 was sanctioned for obstructing humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
The sanctions involve asset freezes, prohibitions on funds, and travel bans to any EU country. This initiative is part of the Council’s broader strategy to address serious human rights violations globally, currently listing 113 natural and legal persons and 31 entities under the regime.
Other countries, such as Canada and the UK, have also proposed similar measures. Canada has implemented new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act, focused on extremist settlers in the West Bank, while the UK has imposed sanctions on Israeli groups and individuals linked to settler violence.
For more details, the full text of the EU Council’s decision is available in this document.