AhlulBayt News Agency: The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, citing their inflammatory remarks about Gaza and alleged incitement of violence and human rights violations.
According to IRNA, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will be subject to a travel ban and asset freeze. Lammy stated that both officials had “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights,” adding that such actions are unacceptable and must be held accountable.
In a previous address to Parliament, Lammy condemned Smotrich’s comments about “cleansing” Gaza of Palestinians, describing them as “monstrous” and emblematic of dangerous extremism.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed the sanctions but criticized the delay, expressing disappointment that both the Conservative and Labour parties had taken so long to act.
Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have drawn widespread criticism for their hardline positions on the Gaza conflict. Both oppose the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory and have advocated for the relocation of Palestinians outside Gaza.
In a statement, the UK Foreign Office emphasized that the sanctions were coordinated with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway. It also condemned the escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and stressed that these measures are closely linked to the broader context of the war in Gaza, where Israel must adhere to international humanitarian law.
The Israeli government denounced the UK’s decision, calling it “outrageous” to impose such measures on elected officials.
Britain’s move comes amid mounting domestic and international pressure to hold the Israeli government accountable for its military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. It follows a joint warning issued last month by Britain, France, and Canada, cautioning Israel against breaching international law.
In a further sign of diplomatic strain, the UK has also suspended trade negotiations with Israel.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, nearly 55,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 2023.
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