Five countries sanction Israeli ministers over Palestinian human rights
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have been hit with travel bans by the United Kingdom, as well as sanctions by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway. The countries issued a joint statement condemning the ministers for inciting extremist violence and human rights abuses against Palestinians.
The foreign ministers of the five nations expressed their concern over Ben-Gvir and Smotrich’s rhetoric advocating for the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements. They emphasized that these actions cannot be seen in isolation from the situation in Gaza, calling it a catastrophe.
In response, Ben-Gvir criticized the European countries for their actions, stating that while they are focused on Israel, radical Islam is taking over their streets. He warned that their campaign of appeasement for Hamas terrorists will not save them in the long run.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the sanctions, calling them outrageous and unacceptable. He criticized the U.K. for its decision to include Israeli ministers on its sanctions list, emphasizing that the British Mandate for the land of Israel ended in 1948 and will never return.
Sa’ar also pointed out that the actions of the five countries could hinder negotiations for a hostage deal with Hamas and further escalate the conflict. He criticized their interference in Israel’s military operations in Gaza and restrictions on humanitarian aid, warning of potential further actions in response.
The joint statement from the Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN) called for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemned Israel’s treatment of U.N. agencies. The countries defended the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), highlighting its importance in serving the Palestinian population.
The U.S. had previously stopped funding UNRWA under President Joe Biden, and former President Donald Trump’s administration ruled that the agency was no longer immune to lawsuits. This decision allowed the families of victims of attacks to sue UNRWA for damages.
Overall, the sanctions and travel bans imposed on Israeli ministers by multiple countries have sparked outrage and condemnation from Israeli officials. The ongoing conflict in the region continues to draw international attention and controversy.
