Brussels, July 17 — The European Union (EU) has imposed sanctions on five Israeli citizens and three organizations due to their involvement in the persecution of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as serious and systematic human rights violations in these areas. The European Commission confirmed this information in a statement released on Monday.

The EU statement revealed that the sanctioned individuals and entities have been inciting riots and violence in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza conflict on October 9, 2023. They are also accused of obstructing the entry of food, water, and fuel into Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

While the commission did not disclose the names of all five individuals, it did identify two of them as chief executives of the sanctioned organizations. The named individuals are Ben-Zion Gopstein and Issachar Manne, the latter being the chief executive of a local newspaper. The sanctioned organizations include Tzav 9, the Lehava Organization, and one other entity.

As part of the sanctions, the five individuals and their employees, along with the three organizations, are prohibited from traveling to any European country. Additionally, any assets they hold in European countries will be confiscated.

In response to the EU's decision, Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the immediate lifting of the sanctions. In a statement, he said, "Such sanctions are unacceptable and a major obstacle to mutual friendship." He further criticized the sanctions, stating that "imposing sanctions on Israeli citizens in settlements or on right-wing organizations crosses a red line."

The sanctions reflect the EU's increasing concern over the treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories and its commitment to upholding human rights standards. However, the decision has also sparked significant diplomatic tensions between the EU and Israel, with Israeli officials vehemently opposing the measures.

As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how these sanctions impact the ongoing conflict and relations between the EU and Israel.