LONDON, May 20, 2025 (WAFA) – In response to the persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced new sanctions today, according to an official press release.
Today’s 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 measures including financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications. They follow 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned in relation to serious violence against communities in the West Bank.
The measures come amid a dramatic surge in settler violence, with the United Nations recording over 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities since January 1, 2024.
In a statement to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary is also set to announce the formal pause of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel, effective immediately.
“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,” the statement read.
His statement will also address the latest developments on the ground in Gaza, making clear the UK’s complete opposition to Israeli forces’ new, extensive ground operation, the threat of starvation facing the Gazan population, and the UK’s condemnation of Israeli plans to forcibly displace Gazans into a corner of the Strip.
The new steps follow a joint statement issued by the UK Prime Minister alongside the leaders of France and Canada, expressing strong opposition to the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and to illegal settlements in the West Bank. The leaders warned that if Israel does not cease these actions, further measures will be taken.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated: “I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators.”
“The sanctioning of Daniella Weiss and others today demonstrates our determination to hold extremist settlers to account, as Palestinian communities suffer violence and intimidation at the hands of extremist settlers.”
“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 also comes as Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer summons Israel’s Ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely, to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Minister Falconer said: “Today I will set out to Ambassador Hotovely the government’s opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and emphasize that the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible.”
“I will urge Israel to halt settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank. Israel must abide by its obligations under International Humanitarian Law and ensure full, rapid, safe, and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. The limited amount of aid entering is simply not enough.”
He further stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, stating: “A path to a two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.”
T.R.
