France is contemplating the extension of sanctions targeting Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, following a discussion between President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
Both leaders strongly criticized recent Israeli announcements regarding settlements in the West Bank, which they deemed contrary to international law, according to a statement from Macron’s office.
Tensions have escalated in the occupied territories since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the Gaza war. Palestinian officials report at least 488 Palestinian deaths at the hands of Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank since October 7.
In February, France banned 28 “extremist Israeli settlers” from entering its territory. Last week, the European Union imposed sanctions on four Israeli settlers and two settler organizations for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
According to the settlement watchdog Peace Now, Israeli authorities have declared nearly 1,100 hectares (2,720 acres) of the West Bank as “state land” since the beginning of the year — double the amount from the previous record year in 1999. This status grants the government full control over land usage, often leading to restrictions on Palestinian access.
Approximately 490,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in the West Bank alongside three million Palestinians.
During their conversation, Macron and King Abdullah also addressed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They expressed deep concern about the potential for an Israeli offensive on Rafah, where more than 1.5 million people are seeking refuge, and reiterated their opposition to such an operation, the statement said.
The two leaders stressed the urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of essential aid and to protect civilian populations.
Furthermore, Macron reiterated France’s stance that the release of hostages held by Hamas is of utmost priority.
