The UK government has taken a significant step by imposing sanctions on Daniella Weiss, a prominent figure in the Israeli settler movement, often referred to as the "godmother" of the movement. This decision was announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who stated that the sanctions reflect a commitment to holding extremist settlers accountable as Palestinian communities endure ongoing violence and intimidation.
Weiss, now 79, has been instrumental in establishing Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas that were captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East War. The sanctions sheet detailed her involvement in various acts of aggression against Palestinians, classifying her actions as both threatening and promoting violence. Alongside Weiss, the sanctions also apply to her radical organization, Nachala, and other individuals and settlements linked to her activities.
An Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson responded to the sanctions, labeling them as "unjustified and regrettable." Recently, Weiss appeared in Louis Theroux's documentary "The Settlers," where she expressed controversial views about the future of Gaza, insisting that its Arab population would be displaced to make room for Jewish resettlement. In her provocative statements, she suggested that Palestinians in Gaza could be "enabled" to leave, promoting the idea of their resettlement elsewhere.
In reaction to the sanctions, Weiss mentioned that numerous families are ready to settle in Gaza immediately, underscoring the aggressive stance of her organization, which advocates for ongoing territorial expansion.
The UK also announced sanctions against two other settlers, Zohar Sabah and Harel David Libi, along with two illegal settler outposts and a construction firm associated with such activities. Lammy stressed the responsibility of the Israeli government to intervene in these actions to prevent further peril to Palestinian communities and the fragile two-state solution.
Furthermore, the UK government has paused its free trade negotiations with Israel, citing the current government's troubling policies in the West Bank and Gaza as a fundamental reason for this suspension. An Israeli spokesperson claimed that the British government's actions reflect an anti-Israel bias that could potentially harm its own economy.
As humanitarian needs in Gaza continue to rise, leaders from the UK, France, and Canada have called for an end to military operations by Israel and immediate access for humanitarian aid. In response, Israel has agreed to allow a minimal amount of food supplies into Gaza, after an extensive blockade designed to influence Hamas to release hostages. However, humanitarian aid officials have expressed concerns that this relief is inadequate compared to the overwhelming needs of the population.
