West Bank: Israeli settlers denounce interference from France after announcement of sanctions

After the United States and the United Kingdom, France adopts sanctions against “twenty-eight extremist Israeli settlers”. Paris accuses them of having committed “violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank”. As such, these Israeli nationals are prohibited from entering French territory. The settlers denounce “interference” while the Palestinians deplore “a half-measure without real impact”.

Perched on top of a hill, the Yitzar settlement overlooks three Palestinian villages. AFP - JAAFAR ASHTIYEH

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With our special correspondent in the Palestinian Territories,

Sami Boukhelifa

Perched on top of a hill, the Yitzar settlement overlooks three Palestinian villages. Under international law, the settlements are illegal. And yet, this is where David, a Franco-Israeli, lives with his family. He protests against

Paris' decision to sanction colonists

. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday February 13 that it had adopted “sanctions” against 28 “extremist Israeli settlers” guilty of “violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank”.

“

It’s hypocrisy. They point the finger at us. There is no reason for France, or any other country, to interfere. As far as I know, Israel does not make lists of French people who argue between neighbors 

,” protests David.

He rejects accusations of violence against Palestinians: “

There are only minor incidents. And only Israel has the right to manage them

.” “

What kind of attacks are we talking about?” Jews who pushed around Palestinians a little? Who broke two windows? We are a democratic country. We have a judicial system. Anyone who makes a mistake is punished by law and goes to prison,

” he said.

Increased violence since the October 7 attacks

In the valley below is the Palestinian village of Huwara. On site, residents endure and document regular attacks from settlers. Like in a video, where we hear gunshots and where we see settlers throwing stones in the direction of the Palestinian village. It was filmed in mid-January by Mohamed.

“

Sanctions against settlers? It won't change anything, it's impossible. By definition, a settler is a settler. Even the Israeli army can't handle them, so it supports them.

»

“

And even more so since October 7. There is an outbreak of violence. They are making us pay for the Hamas attack

,” laments this resident of Huwara.

Since the October 7 attacks, Palestinians in the West Bank have been plagued by

increased violence from Israeli settlers

.

Also readWest Bank: in Hebron, “who will protect me against Israeli soldiers and settlers?”

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