US denounces UK, allies' sanctions on Israeli far-right ministers
WASHINGTON: The United States on Tuesday denounced sanctions by Britain and four mutual allies against Israeli far-right ministers, saying they should focus instead on the Palestinian armed group Hamas.'We find that extremely unhelpful. It will do nothing to get us closer to a ceasefire in Gaza,' State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters.Britain, Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Australia 'should focus on the real culprit, which is Hamas,' she said of the sanctions.'We remain concerned about any step that would further isolate Israel from the international community,' she said.The five Western countries imposed sanctions on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for 'repeated incitements of violence' against Palestinians.The two ministers faced repeated criticism but no formal sanctions under former US president Joe Biden. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has vowed unstinting support for Israel.'If our allies want to help, they should focus on supporting Special Envoy (Steve) Witkoff's negotiations and backing the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation when it comes to food and aid,' she said.The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed aid in coordination with the Israeli military, an effort criticized by the United Nations and longstanding aid groups, which say it violates humanitarian principles.
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Asharq Al-Awsat
42 minutes ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
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Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hamas Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Iran Has No Role in Gaza War Negotiations
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Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Netanyahu Asks US to Broker Israel-Syria Negotiations
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