UK imposes sanctions on three illegal Israeli settler outposts over West Bank violence

LONDON (AA) – The UK government has announced new sanctions targeting three illegal Israeli settler outposts and four organizations supporting violence in the West Bank.

The move comes in response to a significant rise in attacks against Palestinian communities by Israeli settlers.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed the measures as part of a broader effort to address the escalating violence, which has devastated Palestinian communities.

“The Israeli government must crack down on settler violence and stop the legalization of settler outposts,” Lammy said in a statement, urging Israeli authorities to take action against growing settler extremism.

The sanctions target three illegal settler outposts namely Tirzah Valley Farm, Meitarim, and Shuvi Eretz.

These outposts have been linked to acts of violence and harassment, aimed at displacing Palestinians and seizing their land for settlement construction.

The outposts are illegal under both Israeli and international law but have continued to expand in recent years.

In addition to the outposts, the sanctions also focus on four organizations—Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva, Hashomer Yosh, Torat Lechima, and Amana—allegedly involved in promoting, inciting, or supporting violence against Palestinians.

These groups have been tied to a range of extremist activities, from providing volunteers for illegal outposts to offering financial backing for violent acts against Palestinian civilians.

Lammy called on Israel to halt settler expansion on Palestinian land and crack down on violent extremists.

“Settlers have shockingly even targeted schools and families with young children,” Lammy added. “The measures we have taken today will help bring accountability to those who have supported and perpetrated such heinous abuses of human rights.”