EU sanctions on Israeli settlers ‘important but belated’: Spain’s foreign minister

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - The European Union's agreement to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violent acts against Palestinians is "an important but belated decision,” Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Monday.

"We would have liked to make the decision to impose individual sanctions on illegal Jewish settlers a month ago, but consensus could not be reached at that time. Now consensus has been reached at the table. Slowly but surely, other countries are coming closer to our position," said Albares, speaking at a press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Albares emphasized the vital need for food aid in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is continuing its attacks, saying Spain will continue its aerial aid deliveries but stressed the necessity of allowing aid to be delivered by land.

"We renew our call for an immediate cease-fire for the delivery of humanitarian aid, the unconditional release of hostages and unimpeded delivery of aid," he said.

He also proposed inviting his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz to the next EU foreign ministers' meeting, noting that other EU countries also view this positively.

"There should be a meeting with Israel for an exchange of views on humanitarian aid.

"The partnership council we have allows for this, and it could be a very good opportunity to exchange views with Israel. We insist on the possibility of achieving peace through dialogue," he added.