On Thursday, Australia imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on seven Israeli settlers and a youth group for their role in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the unnamed group incited violence, while settlers were involved in beatings, sexual assault, and torture. Australia urged Israel to hold perpetrators accountable and halt settlement activities, which it views as exacerbating tensions and hindering peace efforts.
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This action follows similar measures by Britain, the US, Canada, and Japan. Israel’s embassy in Australia condemned the violence and pledged to bring perpetrators to justice. The violence has intensified amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, which began on October 7. Australia views Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal and a barrier to peace.
