London: The UK, along with several allied nations, is set to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. This action is in response to their conduct during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as announced by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the UK will collaborate with Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries to enforce asset freezes and travel bans on Israel's National Security Minister Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich. These ministers have been identified as violently extremist Jewish supremacists, with Ben Gvir being a West Bank settler. The FCO clarified in a press release that the UK's sanctions are a direct response to the ministers' repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities.
The sanctions come as international concern grows over the rising violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. The FCO emphasized the necessity of viewing these measures in conjunction with the ongoing events in Gaza, urging Israel to adhere to International Humanitarian Law.
Both Ben Gvir and Smotrich have been vocal opponents of allowing international aid into Gaza and have advocated for the forced expulsion of Palestinians. Smotrich recently declared that Gaza would be entirely destroyed and that Palestinians would be displaced to third countries. The FCO cited the severe acts of violence by extremist settlers as a key reason for the sanctions, highlighting their detrimental impact on the prospect of a future Palestinian state.
The decision was announced following a joint statement by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway. The ministers condemned the incitement of extremist violence by Ben Gvir and Smotrich, labeling their actions as unacceptable and emphasizing the need for accountability.
The international coalition reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution, viewing it as essential for ensuring security and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians. The ministers called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unhindered entry of aid into the region, and efforts towards achieving a two-state solution.
The UK also demanded that Israel halt the expansion of illegal settlements, curb settler violence, and denounce inflammatory and extremist remarks by individuals.
