New Zealand bans travel for 3 extremist Israeli settlers

WELLINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government said on Tuesday that it will impose travel bans on three extremist Israeli settlers, joining partners including Australia and the European Union.

The sanctions target individuals accused of actively expanding illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, including through violence, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement.

"The actions of these individuals threaten peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians and drive the region further into crisis," Peters said.

"This action is against three individuals whose use of violence and displacement is destabilizing the West Bank," Peters said, adding the travel bans are not directed at the Israeli people, nor the Israeli government.

New Zealand has long maintained that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories violate international law and undermine prospects for a negotiated two-state solution, he noted, reiterating Wellington's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Enditem