Australia Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Settlers Over West Bank Violence

Australia has imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on seven Israeli settlers and a youth group involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The Australian government calls on Israel to hold perpetrators accountable and cease settlement activities. Allies Britain, the United States, Canada, and Japan have taken similar actions.

Australia on Thursday imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on seven Israeli settlers and a youth group over their involvement in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the unnamed group was responsible for inciting and perpetrating violence, with the settlers involved in beatings, sexual assault, torture, and in some cases, death. Wong urged Israel to hold the perpetrators accountable and halt its settlement activities, which she said heighten tensions and undermine peace prospects.

The Australian government's move follows similar actions by allies such as Britain, the United States, Canada, and Japan. Israel's embassy in Australia condemned violence against Palestinian communities and pledged to bring the responsible minority to justice. Violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank has escalated amid Israel's conflict with Palestinian militant group Hamas, which initiated an attack on Oct. 7.

Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank, a region Palestinians see as central to their desired independent state. Most countries consider Israeli settlements in the occupied territories illegal, a stance Australia shares, viewing them as obstacles to peace.

(With inputs from agencies.)