Hamas Praises New UK Sanctions on Israelis in Judea and Samaria, Prompting Outcry
Hamas welcomed the United Kingdom's recent sanctions against Israelis in Judea and Samaria, a stance that has sparked criticism.
The British Labour administration enacted new sanctions targeting Israelis residing in the disputed territories of Judea and Samaria, prompting Hamas to label the policy "important steps" and to demand additional measures. Israeli authorities responded by recalling the British consulate in Jerusalem and prohibiting several British politicians, described as violently antisemitic, from entering Israel. The Israel Foreign Ministry reminded audiences of Hamas' extremist origins, citing the October 7, 2023 massacre and the group's charter that seeks Israel's elimination.
Historical context was offered, noting past British decisions that allocated land to Arab states and the perception of a longstanding British bias toward Islam. The ministry also referenced ongoing hostage situations, including the kidnapping of Evyatar David, to underscore the continued threat posed by Hamas. The episode illustrates deepening diplomatic tension between Israel and the United Kingdom.
Why it matters
The episode shows how UK policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is being endorsed by a terrorist group, raising diplomatic and security concerns.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Israeli prime minister's wife faces libel claim over Oct. 7 accusations
- Sep 2 National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir will present a seven-year, $20 bn scheme to move up to 1.86 million Palestinians out of Gaza, framing it as voluntary emigration.
- Sep 4 Ben Gvir outlined a first‑year target of 250,000 relocations and named potential host countries such as Turkey, Ethiopia, the Congo and Arab states.
- Sep 5 U.S. ambassador Mike Huckabee says Israel has no active program to forcibly remove Gaza residents.
- Sep 6 Eight Muslim and Arab foreign ministers issued a joint condemnation of Israel's relocation proposal.
- Sep 8 Netanyahu publicly alleged that officials deliberately kept him asleep on Oct. 7.
- Sep 8 Sara Netanyahu announced a libel lawsuit against Yair Golan over claims of his prior knowledge of the Oct. 7 attacks.
- Sep 9 Netanyahu faces mounting internal and international pressure ahead of the October Knesset election as the United Kingdom prepares sanctions on West Bank goods.
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