THE European Union imposed sanctions on 16 Syrian generals and scientists yesterday over an alleged but unproven chemical weapons attacks.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini named the eight generals, including Hasakeh provincial governor Major General Jayyiz al-Musa, and eight scientists and engineers.

Their addition to the EU sanctions list, approved by the European Council on Monday, came as the UN continued its investigation to determine responsibility for the Khan Sheikhoun massacre on April 4 in which more than 80 people died, including many children, in a chemical attack.

The US claimed that Syrian jets dropped nerve gas on the al-Qaida-held town and responded with a cruise missile attack on the Syrian air base held responsible. But Syria and ally Moscow called it a “provocation” staged by the extremists to solicit US air support.

Another theory is that a conventional air strike hit an insurgent weapons depot, releasing toxic fumes.

Russian analyst Mikhail Roshchin told Sputnik News that the sanctions would only complicate efforts to strike a peace deal. “I guess [Western policymakers] once again rely on allegations that have never been confirmed,” he said.

Last Thursday US President Donald Trump lauded the ongoing ceasefire between Syria and Western-backed insurgent factions. But on Sunday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he opposed the truce, claiming it would allow Syria’s ally Iran to expand its presence in the region.

On Monday Russian parliamentary upper house foreign affairs committee chairman Konstantin Kosachev claimed that Israel’s true motive was a desire to continue air raids against Syrian forces.