UK to sanction far-right Israeli ministers for stoking violence in Palestine
Itamar Ben-Gvir, left, and Bezalel Smotrich, right, pictured in October 2022 at a rally in the Israeli city of Sderot. PHOTO: GUARDIAN
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The United Kingdom, alongside four key allies, has imposed sanctions on two senior Israeli ministers, citing their 'repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian communities' amid escalating conflict in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel bans, target Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The measures were announced in a joint statement by the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the action was taken in response to the ministers' 'extremist rhetoric and incitement,' which have contributed to serious human rights abuses. 'These actions are not acceptable,' the statement read. 'This is why we have taken action now to hold those responsible to account.'
Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are known for their far-right positions, support for expanding Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law, and public calls for the annexation of Palestinian land. Smotrich has previously made statements suggesting support for the expulsion of Palestinians and the destruction of Gaza, while Ben-Gvir, a settler himself, has called for the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in the coastal enclave.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions 'outrageous' and announced a special cabinet meeting to formulate a response. Smotrich, speaking at the inauguration of a new settlement in Hebron, dismissed the UK's move as 'contemptible.'
'Britain already tried once to prevent us from settling our homeland. We will not allow it again,' he said, referring to British rule over Palestine prior to Israel's founding in 1948.
The sanctions come amid growing frustration from Western governments over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and its restrictions on humanitarian aid. In recent weeks, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that coordinated action with international partners is more effective than unilateral moves. Last month, the UK suspended trade negotiations with Israel and summoned its ambassador over 'egregious policies' in the occupied territories.
The UK, along with France and Canada, has warned Israel of 'concrete actions' if it continues its military offensive and maintains aid blockades. All three nations have reiterated their support for a two-state solution.
Foreign Secretary Lammy has sharply criticised recent Israeli operations, calling them 'a dark new phase in this conflict.' He also condemned Smotrich's earlier comments that hinted at ethnic cleansing and the forced relocation of Palestinians.
The war in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has claimed nearly 55,000 Palestinian lives—most of them women and children—according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. Israel has enforced a strict blockade on the territory, allowing only limited aid through a controversial, US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which critics say politicises relief efforts and undermines humanitarian principles.
Since the aid mechanism began operating on 27 May, at least 130 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli gunfire while attempting to access food, with over 1,000 injured.
In parallel, Israeli forces have intensified raids across the occupied West Bank. On Tuesday, troops launched a large-scale operation in the city of Nablus, injuring at least 60 people with live ammunition and tear gas. Dozens were arrested, and the city's Old City district was placed under lockdown.
Reporting from Nablus, Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh described a dire situation: 'Residents cannot leave their homes. Paramedics are struggling to reach the injured, and essential services are shut down.'
Schools, bakeries, and public offices have closed amid the military escalation, as the Israeli army continues operations in towns and refugee camps across the West Bank. Settler violence, often carried out under military protection, has also increased, targeting Palestinian civilians and property.
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