JAKARTA - New Zealand imposed a travel ban on three Israeli citizens accused of using violence to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, following Israel and the European Union, adding to the growing international pressure over the escalating attacks on Palestinians.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Tuesday said the ban targeted three individuals who had "actively sought to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank, including through violence," Anadolu reported (2/6).
The restrictions will prevent them from travelling to New Zealand.
Foreign Minister Peters said the move aligned Wellington with partners including Australia and the European Union and reflected concerns that settler violence was undermining prospects for peace and security.
"This travel ban is aimed at three individuals who have actively sought to expand illegal settlements in the West Bank, including through violence," said Foreign Minister Peters.
He added that these measures are aimed at certain individuals, not at the people or the Israeli government.
This step was taken in line with the increasing international scrutiny of settler violence.
UN experts recently warned that attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories had reached alarming levels, creating what they described as an increased risk of forced displacement.
According to experts, repeated attacks, intimidation, destruction of property, and restrictions on access to land are making it increasingly difficult for Palestinian communities to stay in their homes.
UN experts have warned that settler violence has become systematic in some areas of the occupied West Bank, posing an "existential threat" to Palestinian communities and accelerating the pressure of expulsion.
Experts called on the international community to take urgent action to protect civilians and enforce international law.
New Zealand first imposed a travel ban on the colonizers in February 2024 and has since allied with a wider group of Western partners who have taken action against individuals linked to settler violence and illegal settlement expansion.
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