Britain on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers and organisations accused of perpetrating violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank It also paused negotiations on a free trade agreement with Israel, citing deep concern over the Israeli government's conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. The sanctions target three individuals, two settler outposts and two organisations linked to what the UK government described as a "West Bank violence network." Measures include financial restriction, asset freezes, travel bans, and director disqualifications. "In response to the persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, the Foreign Secretary has announced new sanctions today." the UK government statement read. Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to announce the steps in a statement to Parliament, saying the UK would not proceed with upgrading its trade deal with Israel while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government continues "egregious policies" in the Palestinian territories. "While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza." Lammy said. Among those sanctioned is Daniella Weiss, a key extremist settler activist accused of inciting and supporting violence against Palestinians. Harel Libi, owner of Libi Construction and Infrastructure, and Zohar Sabah were also blacklisted. The sanctioned entities include Nachala, Libi Construction, Coco's Farm, and Neria's Farm, all accused of facilitating violence or supporting the establishment of illegal outposts. Lammy said he had witnessed the impact of settler violence firsthand. "The sanctioning of Daniella Weiss and others today demonstrates our determination to hold extremist settlers to account as Palestinian communities suffer violence and intimidation," he said. "The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions. Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril." The announcement follows a joint statement by the UK Prime Minister along with the leaders of France and Canada, expressing strong opposition to the expansion of Israeli military operations and settlement activity. They warned that if Israel does not cease such actions, further consequences could follow. Separately, the Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to protest the escalation in Gaza. "Today I will set out to Ambassador Hotovely the government's opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and emphasise that the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible." Falconer said. "Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza," he added, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. The UK's move adds to growing international pressure on Israel, as the war in Gaza enters its eighth month and reports of settler violence in the West Bank continue to mount. There was no immediate response from the Israeli government. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
