Five long-time allies of the United States — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom — announced sanctions on Israeli officials known for their far-right nationalist views.
This announcement came on Tuesday, targeting Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for their actions inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
A statement released on the official U.K. government website highlighted that the sanctions aim to hold Ben-Gvir and Smotrich accountable for their extremist rhetoric that has fueled violence against Palestinians.
The foreign ministers of the five nations stated, “Settler violence is incited by extremist rhetoric which calls for Palestinians to be driven from their homes, encourages violence and human rights abuses, and fundamentally rejects the two-state solution.”
They condemned the violent actions leading to the deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of communities, attributing such violence to the incitements from these Israeli officials.
The joint statement reaffirmed that the sanctions focus on the West Bank, but acknowledged that the situation there is deeply intertwined with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid,” the foreign ministers stated.
Despite the sanctions, the five nations reiterated their unwavering support for Israel’s security and condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on October 7.
They went on to express their concern that the rhetoric from Ben-Gvir and Smotrich undermines both Israel’s security and its global standing.
The announcement regarding the sanctions emerged against the backdrop of increased violence in the West Bank, with reports indicating that 80 people were injured during recent Israeli military operations, particularly in the town of Nablus.
Israel contends its military operations are essential to prevent terrorist attacks originating from the West Bank.
On the same day, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized the Israeli officials for using “horrendous extremist language,” emphasizing the need for the Israeli government to disavow such statements.
Echoing concerns about public statements, Smotrich, in a recent declaration, indicated that Gaza “will be entirely destroyed” and suggested that civilians may be forced to leave.
He has consistently advocated for the complete annexation of the West Bank, territory that has been under Israeli occupation.
In the context of rising tensions, CBS News has reported on escalating violent attacks by Israeli settlers since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, particularly highlighting incidents driving Palestinians from their homes.
According to the British Foreign Ministry’s statement, over 1,900 attacks against Palestinian civilians have been recorded in the West Bank since January of the previous year.
Responding to the sanctions, Smotrich acknowledged hearing about the measures while attending the inauguration of a new settlement in the West Bank, maintaining his commitment to continue building Israeli settlements in the area.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labeled the sanctions “outrageous,” indicating consultations with Prime Minister Netanyahu and suggesting that Israel would determine its response next week.
While the sanctions represent a significant development, human rights lawyer Eitay Mack, who has long campaigned for international sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, regarded the move as “historic.”
Mack noted the delayed action from Western governments, expressing astonishment at the timing of these sanctions amid a contentious political landscape, especially in light of Trump’s presidency.
He posited that the action sends a message to Netanyahu about potential consequences for his government’s choices.
All five nations involved in the sanctions maintain close ties with the United States, including three that are members of NATO.
Australia and New Zealand, while not NATO members, collaborate closely with the U.S. through the intelligence alliance “Five Eyes,” along with the U.K. and Canada.
As this political landscape unfolds, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.
Reports state that over 30 people were killed in incidents around U.S.-backed aid distribution hubs in Gaza, as highlighted by the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.
Eyewitnesses indicated that victims were victims of gunfire, mirroring prior incidents near the four operational distribution hubs in the enclave.
The Israeli military acknowledged awareness of reports concerning injuries near the aid distribution site, affirming that details were being reviewed.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) explained that soldiers had fired warning shots before the hubs opened, aimed at deter threats posed to troops in the vicinity.
The complexities of the situation are amplified by restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza, making it challenging to confirm the details of reported events.
In communications regarding its aid operations, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has described distributions proceeding without incident on the reported day.
Staffed with armed American contractors, the aid centers are positioned near militarized zones that the IDF has designated as off-limits to civilians at certain hours.
Local reports and CBS News coverage reveal confusion among families seeking aid, with residents expressing uncertainty regarding which of the aid hubs are operational at any time.
Despite the challenges, videos have shown crowds leaving with aid including lentils and cooking oil, despite severe limitations on cooking fuel in Gaza.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, many families resort to burning trash to prepare meals, unable to cook with the staple food items provided.
Meanwhile, President Trump, during an event, commented on the U.S.’s negotiations with Hamas and Israel, claiming Iranian involvement.
He described ongoing conversations aimed at securing a ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza, stating that Iran is a participant in these negotiations.
While Trump did not elaborate further during his remarks, he indicated optimism regarding the developments in Gaza, emphasizing the desire to recover hostages.
The U.S. has been engaged in extended discussions in Qatar focused on brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, yet reports indicate that no immediate breakthroughs are anticipated.
In contrast, Netanyahu had previously suggested that talks were advancing, although specifics remain unconfirmed.
Notably, Trump’s mention of Iran as part of the negotiation talks has never been acknowledged by U.S. officials or Israeli representatives previously.
Israeli media has cited sources denying discussions with Iran, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding this disclosure from Trump.
In parallel to the regional tensions, Israel has intensified its military actions against Houthi rebels in Yemen, launching missile strikes on Houthi-controlled port facilities in Hodeida.
The Israeli military stated that these operations aim to prevent the port from being used for military purposes, particularly for weapon transportation.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued warnings to the Houthis regarding the potential consequences of their missile attacks toward Israel, specifying the possibility of a complete blockade on Houthi territory.
As the situation develops across these interconnected conflicts, the humanitarian toll and the geopolitical stakes remain critical factors shaping future diplomatic engagements.
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