The UK government has announced significant sanctions against two Israeli far-right ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, in response to their controversial comments regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza. This decision, made public by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, includes a travel ban preventing both ministers from entering the UK as well as freezing any assets they may hold within the country.
According to Lammy, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have been accused of inciting extremist violence and committing serious abuses against Palestinian human rights. The UK government has taken a firm stance, deeming such actions as unacceptable and indicative of a broader issue regarding the treatment of Palestinians in the region.
In reaction to these sanctions, Israeli officials expressed outrage. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the decision as unacceptable and announced that the Israeli cabinet would convene next week to discuss their response. This statement underscores the tensions between the UK and Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Following the announcement of the sanctions, Lammy reiterated the UK’s commitment to achieving an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the need for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas. He stated that Hamas should have no future role in the governance of Gaza, highlighting the need for a surge in humanitarian aid and a clear path toward a two-state solution.
The UK's decision to implement these sanctions aligns with the actions of other Western nations, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, which have also expressed concerns over the rising violence and intimidation perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The UK Foreign Office noted that the measures against Smotrich and Ben-Gvir should not be viewed in isolation but rather as part of a broader context where Israel must adhere to International Humanitarian Law.
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