Italy, France and Germany have asked the European Union to impose sanctions against Hamas and its supporters, the three foreign ministers wrote to the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell.

"We support the proposal to impose ad hoc sanctions against Hamas and its supporters," the letter said.

"The quick adoption of the sanction will allow us to send a strong political message that the EU is against Hamas and is in solidarity with Israel," said the ministers.

They stress that it is important for the EU to take "all necessary measures against the terrorist group Hamas and its supporters".

"This implies a stronger European commitment to both the fight against the infrastructure and financial support of Hamas, as well as the international isolation and delegitimization of Hamas, which in no way represents the Palestinians or their legitimate aspirations," the letter says.

Hamas is already listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union, which means that any funds or assets it has in the EU should be frozen.