The European Union is imposing sanctions on radical Israeli settlers in the West Bank for the first time for acts of violence against Palestinians, diplomats have confirmed.

The agreement was finalised on Friday by a written procedure that allows member states to make decisions on urgent matters without sending ministers to Brussels.

The sanctions target individuals and organisations responsible for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, diplomats say.

Those subject to sanctions would no longer be allowed to enter the EU or do business with EU citizens, and any assets or accounts they have in the EU will be frozen.

The measures were imposed under an EU sanctions regime designed to punish human rights abuses