France Works to Impose Sanctions on Hamas Leaders

The spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anne-Claire Legendre, revealed today, Wednesday, that "France is working with its partners in the European Union to impose sanctions on leaders of the Hamas movement," and that Paris does not rule out the possibility of the EU imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers targeting Palestinians in the West Bank. She stated in a weekly press briefing: "We believe that the international community has a role to play in ending this violence that significantly contributes to instability in the region, and also undermines the prospects for a two-state solution." Legendre mentioned that "no options are excluded, including the EU imposing sanctions on individuals who commit violence." A French diplomatic source indicated that "Paris supports EU sanctions, but discussions on the issue have not yet begun in the bloc." Legendre also confirmed that "talks in Brussels are progressing to impose sanctions on Hamas leaders, including asset freezes and travel bans."