Australia imposes sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank
Canberra, June 2
The Australian government on Tuesday imposed sanctions on three Israeli individuals and four entities in response to escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Announcing the sanctions in a statement, Penny Wong, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, said settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank undermines Israel's security and its standing in the world.
According to Wong, the individuals and entities will be subjected to financial sanctions, making it illegal for Australians to give them money or assets, and the individuals will be banned from entering Australia, reports Xinhua news agency.
"For the first time, designated entities now include farming outposts that serve as hubs for settler violence," Wong said.
"Settler violence is used to displace Palestinians and perpetuate the settlement enterprise, through destruction of property, displacement of families, beatings, sexual assault, and torture, resulting in serious injuries and deaths," she added.
Wong said that Australia coordinated with partners, including New Zealand, in imposing the sanctions and that the measures reflect Australia's commitment to the security and future of Israel and Palestine.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in May joined the leaders of Britain, Italy, France, Germany, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and New Zealand to call for an end to escalating Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank.
In a joint statement published by the British Prime Minister's Office, the leaders said the situation in the West Bank had "deteriorated significantly," with settler violence at "unprecedented levels."
They said Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, adding that construction in the E1 area would divide the West Bank in two and mark a serious breach of international law.
The leaders urged businesses not to bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments, citing legal and reputation risks.
The statement reaffirmed support for a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move by Australia. But I'm a bit skeptical—these sanctions target only a few individuals and entities. The real issue is the systemic settlement policy backed by the Israeli government. Anyway, better than nothing. India should also take a stronger stance, given our own concerns about occupation in Kashmir.
Australia is doing what the world should have done long ago. Settler violence is a crime, and it's good to see a country actually acting instead of just giving statements. But will these sanctions really stop the violence? I doubt it. The Israeli government always finds a way to bypass international pressure.
This is a welcome step, but I wish India would join such efforts. We always talk about 'global south solidarity' and 'anti-colonialism', but we remain silent on Palestine while cozying up to Israel for arms deals. Hypocrisy at its peak. 🌍
Settler violence is unacceptable, no doubt. But why only Australia? Where is the UN on this? The Security Council is paralyzed by US vetoes. This is a classic case of the West pretending to care while doing nothing substantial. Sanctions on a few farmers won't solve the decades-old occupation.
I'm glad Australia is finally taking a stand. As an Indian, I see parallels with our own history of communal violence. We know how painful displacement and violence can be. But I worry this might be too little, too late. The damage in the West Bank is already massive. Still, every bit helps. 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇸
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