London: The United Kingdom has enforced sanctions on Israeli individuals, illegal settler outposts, and organizations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. This move comes as Foreign Secretary David Lammy paused Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the expansion of military operations in Gaza.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the newly announced measures target three individuals, including prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, as well as two illegal outposts and two organizations that have supported, incited, and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. These individuals and entities are now subject to financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications. They join 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned for serious violence against communities in the West Bank.
The sanctions follow a significant increase in settler violence in the West Bank, with the UN recording over 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities since 1 January 2024. In a statement to Parliament, Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to announce the formal pause of Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately. While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it cannot advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a "Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza."
Lammy's statement will address the latest developments on the ground in Gaza, highlighting the UK's complete opposition to the "IDF's new, extensive ground operation through Gaza" and the threat of starvation for the Gazan population. The UK condemns the Israeli government's plans to drive Gazans into a corner of the Strip. The Foreign Secretary will also reiterate UK demands for Hamas to release all hostages immediately and unconditionally, stating that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza.
The new measures follow a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Keir Starmer along with the leaders of France and Canada, expressing strong opposition to the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza and illegal settlements in the West Bank. They warned that further action would be taken if Israel does not cease these activities.
Lammy emphasized the UK's determination to hold extremist settlers accountable as Palestinian communities suffer violence and intimidation. The announcement coincides with Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer's summoning of Israel's Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to discuss the expansion of military operations in Gaza.
Minister Hamish Falconer stated the government's opposition to the disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and criticized the 11-week block on aid as cruel and indefensible. He urged Israel to halt settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank and emphasized Israel's obligations under International Humanitarian Law to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. Falconer called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the pursuit of a two-state solution for lasting peace and security.