The European Union Council approved new restrictive measures against five individuals and three entities under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. These sanctions target those responsible for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank, including violations of physical and mental integrity, property rights, private and family life, freedom of religion, and the right to education.
“The EU stands firm against human rights violations, and today’s sanctions reflect our commitment to upholding these principles,” stated an EU representative. The newly sanctioned individuals include Israeli settler Moshe Sharvit and his ‘Moshe’s Farm’ in the Jordan Valley, known for escalating violence and threats towards Palestinian shepherding communities since October 2023.
Additionally, Zvi Bar Yosef and his unauthorized outpost ‘Zvi’s Farm’ have been listed for repeated violent attacks against Palestinians from Jibya, Kaubar, and Umm Safa, resulting in severe injuries. “The actions of these settlers are unacceptable and a direct affront to human rights,” remarked another EU official.
The Council also sanctioned Tzav 9, an Israeli group of activists that has been obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Founded in January 2024, Tzav 9 has engaged in violent protests, attacks on aid trucks, and destruction of supplies. “Their actions hinder essential aid and exacerbate the suffering of those in Gaza,” emphasized the official.
Further sanctions were imposed on Baruch Marzel, who has openly called for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians; Ben-Zion “Bentzi” Gopstein, leader of the extremist organization Lehava; and Isaschar Manne, founder of the unauthorized Manne Farm outpost in the South Hebron Hills.
With these new listings, the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime now applies to 113 individuals and 31 entities worldwide. Those listed face an asset freeze, a prohibition on the provision of funds or economic resources, and a travel ban to the EU.
“The EU’s sanctions regime is a powerful tool to combat severe human rights violations globally,” commented the EU representative. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU, ensuring transparency and enforcement of these measures.
The European Council, in its conclusions of June 27, 2024, strongly condemned ongoing extremist settler violence in the West Bank and called for further restrictive measures. It also urged Israel to reverse decisions on settlement expansion and emphasized the importance of maintaining access to holy sites and upholding the Status Quo.
The EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, established on December 7, 2020, targets acts such as genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, slavery, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests or detentions. “The regime underscores our determination to address serious human rights violations and promote the enjoyment of human rights for all,” reiterated an EU spokesperson.
