Norway joins EU in sanctions against Israeli settlers

Norway has aligned with the European Union (EU) in imposing sanctions against Israeli extremist settlers in the West Bank, a government statement said Wednesday, reported Xinhua.

Last week, the EU decided to impose sanctions on five individuals and three organizations due to "serious human rights abuses." The sanctions add to those already in force.

The aforementioned individuals and organizations are accused of severe abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The individuals will face frozen financial assets and travel restrictions, while the organizations will also have their financial assets frozen.

"The Israeli settlements on occupied land are illegal. The organizations and individuals now listed are behind serious human rights abuses against Palestinians," said Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

The foreign minister condemned Israel's decisions to expand settlements in the West Bank.

"Recently, we have witnessed several unacceptable expansions of Israeli settlements. The increasing transfer of control over the West Bank from military to civilian Israeli authorities, and the displacement of Palestinians from large areas of the West Bank due to settlement violence and house demolitions are deeply worrying," he said.

Palestinians are increasingly exposed to threats and violent attacks from settlers. Nearly 1,400 people have been displaced since October 2023 due to settlement violence and movement restrictions.