Britain sanctions two Israeli ministers because of Gaza

Two Israeli Government ministers -- Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezale Smotrich -- have been sanctioned by the United Kingdom due to their statements to Gaza.

Ben-Graver, minister of security at the executive of Benjamin Netanyah, and Smotrich, minister of finance, will both face a travel stop and asset freeze.

The movement comes as the United Kingdom and other Western states seek to increase pressure on the Israeli government as the war continues in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said it was the angry “that elected representatives and members of the government are subject to these steps”.

“I have discussed this matter today with Prime Minister Netanyah and will hold a special Government meeting next week to decide on our response to this unacceptable” decision.

Smotric and Ben-Gvir both belong to right-wing parties that are part of Netanyah's fragile ruling coalition.

Both have been criticised for their harsh stance on the Gaza war.

Smotric has campaigned against allowing the delivery of aid to Gaza, meanwhile Ben-Gvir has demanded that Gaza's population be displaced from Palestinian territory.

The UK and its allies have stepped up pressure on Israel, as Palestinian territory in recent months has faced a lack of humanitarian aid and at the time Israel has suggested it could launch a new offensive in Gaza.

Finally, a foundation that has the support of the United States and Israel has started distributing aid to Gaza, but this initiative has been criticised by the United Nations.

The war in Gaza began in October 2023, after Hamas the Palestinian group declared a terrorist organisation by the US and the European Union attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping another 250.

As a result of the Israeli offensive, more than 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and territory has suffered great destruction. The UN has warned that Gaza's population is facing a severe lack of food. / REL/ Periscopi/