UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have incited violence and serious human rights abuses against Palestinians.
UK Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Over Gaza Remarks
UK Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Over Gaza Remarks
The UK government has announced sanctions against two Israeli far-right ministers due to inflammatory comments they made regarding Gaza.
UK sanctions have been imposed on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for their controversial remarks on Gaza, leading to widespread condemnation and a planned Israeli government response.
The UK government has taken significant steps by sanctioning two Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, following their comments perceived as promoting extremist violence concerning the ongoing situation in Gaza. As a result, both ministers will be barred from entering the UK, and their assets within the country will be frozen.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the actions of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, asserting that they have "incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights." This bold move has prompted a strong reaction from Israel, with officials deeming the sanctions as "outrageous" and an infringement on the actions of elected representatives.
Both ministers, key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, have faced heavy criticism for their stances during the current conflict. Smotrich has gone as far as to oppose humanitarian aid entering Gaza, while Ben-Gvir has made alarming suggestions regarding the resettlement of Gazans.
Lammy emphasized that the UK is committed to achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, expressing a clear stance on Israel's obligations under International Humanitarian Law amid the growing violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
In response to the sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that the cabinet would convene next week to discuss the situation, labeling the UK’s decision as “unacceptable.”
The UK measures come amid increasing domestic and international pressure to hold Israel accountable for its military operations, which have resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties since the onset of the current conflict. Alongside allies like Australia and Canada, the UK has made clear that violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers must come to a halt.
As the situation evolves, notable figures and parliamentarians in the UK, including Conservative shadow home secretary Dame Priti Patel and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, have praised the sanctions but expressed the need for timelier action from the government.
Since the onset of the ongoing military operations in Gaza, which began following a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, the toll has been devastating. Over 54,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to this escalating conflict.
The UK government has taken significant steps by sanctioning two Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, following their comments perceived as promoting extremist violence concerning the ongoing situation in Gaza. As a result, both ministers will be barred from entering the UK, and their assets within the country will be frozen.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the actions of Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, asserting that they have "incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights." This bold move has prompted a strong reaction from Israel, with officials deeming the sanctions as "outrageous" and an infringement on the actions of elected representatives.
Both ministers, key members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, have faced heavy criticism for their stances during the current conflict. Smotrich has gone as far as to oppose humanitarian aid entering Gaza, while Ben-Gvir has made alarming suggestions regarding the resettlement of Gazans.
Lammy emphasized that the UK is committed to achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, expressing a clear stance on Israel's obligations under International Humanitarian Law amid the growing violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
In response to the sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that the cabinet would convene next week to discuss the situation, labeling the UK’s decision as “unacceptable.”
The UK measures come amid increasing domestic and international pressure to hold Israel accountable for its military operations, which have resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties since the onset of the current conflict. Alongside allies like Australia and Canada, the UK has made clear that violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers must come to a halt.
As the situation evolves, notable figures and parliamentarians in the UK, including Conservative shadow home secretary Dame Priti Patel and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, have praised the sanctions but expressed the need for timelier action from the government.
Since the onset of the ongoing military operations in Gaza, which began following a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, the toll has been devastating. Over 54,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to this escalating conflict.
