UK, others sanction Israeli ministers for 'inciting violence' against Palestinians

The United Kingdom and four other countries announced sanctions against two Israeli cabinet ministers, for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The sanctions, announced on Tuesday by the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, include asset freezes and travel bans.

They target Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom are both prominent West Bank settlers.

A joint statement by the five nations stated that the targeted ministers "have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights," emphasizing that the measures are personal, and don't affect official ministry functions.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the sanctions as "outrageous."

And the United States warned the sanctions could hinder efforts toward a Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations.