Australia sanctions illegal Israeli settlers, echoing EU, US moves

Sydney, Australia — AFP

Australia has followed Europe and the United States by imposed on illegal Israeli settlers accused of “beatings, sexual assault and torture” of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced financial sanctions and travel bans on seven individuals and the Hilltop Youth radical Zionist settler group.

“The individuals sanctioned today have been involved in violent attacks on Palestinians” Wong said.

“This includes beatings, sexual assault and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injury and in some cases, death.”

Expansion of illegal settlements has increased sharply since hardline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power in late 2022 at the helm of a hardline pro-settler coalition.

The West Bank — occupied by Israel since 1967 — has seen a significant spike in violence by illegal Jewish settlers since the start of Israel’s assault on Gaza.

At least 589 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank by Israeli troops or illegal settlers since Israel’s assault on Gaza began on October 7, according to Palestinian authorities.

Canberra’s announcement echoes moves by the US, Britain, Canada and the European Union who have also blacklisted Israeli settlers.

“Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace,” Wong added.

The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories is illegal according to international law.