The UK Government recently announced a new set of sanctions in response to Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. The sanctions, which have been directed at both extremist groups and individuals who have been associated with the violence, include financial and travel restrictions. This marks the second time the UK has imposed such sanctions, following a similar decision that was made in February.
Details released by the UK Government indicate that the new package of sanctions is specifically targeting two terror groups and four individuals. These groups, titled the Hilltop Youth and Lehava, are reputed for their role in inciting and promoting violence against Palestinian communities within the West Bank. The imposed sanctions extend to four individuals as well who were identified as being responsible for human rights abuses.
The Hilltop Youth, an extremist Israeli youth group, has been helping in establishing unauthorised outposts within the West Bank, while Lehava has been condemned for promoting and instigating violence against Arab and Palestinian groups. Both these groups were previously hit with sanctions by the European Union in April (see more here).
Meanwhile, the individuals have been cited for training settler groups to perpetrate violent acts against Palestinians, building outposts, and supporting violence against Palestinians. Among these individuals is Elisha Yared, who serves as an unofficial spokesperson for Hilltop Youth, and has been sanctioned due to his incitement of hatred and violence.
The actions of the Israeli settlers in the West Bank have been deemed illegal under international law. Despite this, approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers are estimated to currently be occupying private Palestinian land with authorisation from the Israeli government (read more here).
In addition to the UK, other countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, and the European Union have expressed serious concern over the escalation of extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the region. A joint statement has been issued calling on Israel to address the increase in violence and protect Palestinians. The statement emphasised the illegality of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank under international law and reminded Israel of its obligations under Article 49 of Geneva Convention IV, which prohibits the forcible transfer of civilians from occupied territories.
This piece is based on details obtained from JURIST – News.