Canada joins allies to sanction 2 years Israeli minister Gaza comments – country
Canada, along with four other countries, formally approved two Israeli ministers who said “inciting violence against the Palestinian community”.
Canadian Foreign Ministers, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Norway have announced sanctions.
Israeli National Security Minister Itama Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will both see their assets frozen and face a travel ban.
Both face sanctions because “responsible, engage in, incite, promote and/or support activities, which amounts to serious abuse of the rights of an individual and is free from cruel, inhuman or degraded treatment or punishment, especially aggressive and violent acts against individuals in Palestinians in the West Bank.”
“Itama Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich incite extremist violence and serious abuse of Palestinian human rights,” said a joint statement on Canadian Global Affairs.
“These actions are unacceptable. That's why we act now – to keep those responsible.”
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British Foreign Minister David Lammy has previously condemned Smotrich's comments on Gaza's possible cleaning and relocation of its residents, which could destroy and relocate to a third country.
He described the comments as “extremism” and also called them “dangerous” and “terrible.”
Both Israeli ministers had multiple clashes with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both calling for the permanent conquest of Gaza and the reestablishment of Jewish settlements there, which Israel abandoned Israel in 2005.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the actions of the countries “outrageous” and said the government will hold a special meeting early next week to decide to respond.
Smotrich talked about “despising” his move toward Britain.
“The UK has tried once to stop us from solving the cradle of our hometown, and we can't do it again. We are determined that God will continue to build.”
However, Tuesday's joint statement seemed to highlight its “firm support” for Israeli security and condemned the October 7, 2023 attack.
“Today's measures are directed to individuals who we believe undermine Israel's own security and its place in the world,” the statement said. “We continue to build strong friendships with the Israeli people based on our shared relationship, values and commitment to security and the future.”
The moves of the five countries are as Britain and other European countries put pressure on Netanyahu to end the blockade of Gaza. The statement said they will work to ensure an immediate ceasefire, release of remaining hostages and “unhindered movement of humanitarian aid, including food.”
– Documents with Reuters
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