The U.S. introduces fresh financial restrictions targeting Israeli occupants in the West Bank
The recent sanctions allegedly focus on the Israeli NGO Hashomer Yosh specifically. As per their website, they aid "numerous farmers in Judea and Samaria, courageously safeguarding our territory." Judea and Samaria is a biblical term for the West Bank, which Israel has occupied.
The organization is reportedly implicated by the U.S. Department of State in backing an unauthorized settlement near Hebron in the southern part of the West Bank. Reports suggest that volunteers from the organizations impacted by the new sanctions shut off a village this year, causing its 250 Palestinian residents to depart.
The U.S. is now imposing sanctions on an individual accused of overseeing roadblocks and patrols with the aim of attacking Palestinians. "It's crucial for the Israeli government to hold responsible all individuals and entities involved in violence against civilians in the West Bank," mentioned State Department spokesperson Miller.
U.S. sanctions against settlers generally prohibit the individuals from utilizing the U.S. financial system, leading Israeli banks to limit their interactions with the sanctioned to prevent facing sanctions themselves. However, the U.S. government has yet to sanction Israeli ministers advocating for settlements in the West Bank.
Since the conflict between Israel and the Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip in 1967, the West Bank situation has noticeably worsened. On Wednesday, the Israeli army initiated a significant operation in the West Bank, targeting "to dismantle the Iranian-Islamic terrorist infrastructure" established there, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz.
Based on an AFP tally based on Palestinian reports, at least 650 Palestinians have lost their lives in the West Bank since Hamas's assault on Israel on October 7. This can be attributed to either Israeli military operations or radical settlers. At least 19 Israelis have been killed by militant Palestinian attacks, as per Israeli reports.
The European Union may express its concerns over the ongoing situation in the West Bank, given the alleged involvement of organizations like Hashomer Yosh in activities contravening international law. The European Union, as a strong advocate for peace and human rights, could urge for a more diplomatic approach to resolve the conflicts in the region involving the Israeli NGO and Palestinian residents.
