The United Kingdom, alongside four key allies, imposed sanctions on two High Israeli ministers, citing their “repeated incentive of violence against the Palestinian communities” in the middle of climbing conflicts in Gaza and in the occupied West Bank.
The sanctions, which include asset frost and travel prohibitions, target the Minister of National Security Israel Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich. The measures were announced in a joint statement by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy said that action had been taken in response to the “rhetoric and extremist incentives of ministers”, who contributed to serious human rights violations. “These actions are not acceptable,” said the declaration. “This is why we have now taken measures to keep those responsible to report.”
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are both known for their far-right positions, support for the expansion of the Israeli colonies deemed illegal under international law and public calls for the annexation of Palestinian land. Smotrich previously made statements suggesting support for the expulsion of the Palestinians and the destruction of Gaza, while Ben-Gvir, a colonist himself, called for the restoration of the Israeli colonies in the coastal enclave.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Gideon Saar, called “scandalous” sanctions and announced a special meeting of the cabinet to make an answer. Smotrich, speaking during the inauguration of a new regulation in Hebron, rejected the decision of the United Kingdom as “despicable”.
“Great Britain has already tried once from preventing us from regulating our homeland. We do not allow it again,” he said, referring to British domination over Palestine before the Israel Foundation in 1948.
The sanctions are involved in the growing frustration of Western governments about the Israeli military campaign in Gaza and its humanitarian aid restrictions. In recent weeks, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that coordinated action with international partners is more effective than unilateral measures. Last month, the United Kingdom suspended commercial negotiations with Israel and summoned its ambassador to “blatant policies” in the occupied territories.
The United Kingdom, with France and Canada, has warned Israel “concrete actions” if it continues its military offensive and maintains aid blockages. The three nations reiterated their support for a two -state solution.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lammy, strongly criticized recent Israeli operations, calling them “new dark phase of this conflict”. He also condemned the previous comments of Smotrich which alluded to ethnic cleaning and the forced relocation of the Palestinians.
The war in Gaza, which began in October 2023, made nearly 55,000 Palestinian lives – most women and children – according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Israel applied a strict blockade to the territory, allowing only a limited aid through a controversial humanitarian foundation of Gaza supported by the United States, which, according to criticism, affirms the help of rescue and undermines humanitarian principles.
Since the help mechanism started to operate on May 27, at least 130 Palestinians were killed by Israeli shots when he was trying to access food, with more than 1,000 injured.
In parallel, Israeli forces have intensified the raids through occupied West Bank. On Tuesday, troops launched a large -scale operation in the city of Nablus, injuring at least 60 people with living ammunition and tear gas. Dozens were arrested and the old city district was placed under rental.
The reports of Nablus, the Nour Odeh of Al Jazeera described a disastrous situation: “Residents cannot leave their home. Paramedical paramedics find it difficult to reach the wounded and essential services are closed. ”
Schools, bakeries and public offices have closed in the middle of military climbing, while the Israeli army continues its operations in cities and refugee camps through the West Bank. The violence of the settlers, often carried out under military protection, also increased, targeting civilians and Palestinian goods.
