Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced on Tuesday the imposition of asset-freeze sanctions against Israeli settlers involved in violent acts against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Hayashi stated that Japan, in coordination with other G7 countries, would sanction four Israeli settlers implicated in the violence. These individuals will face sanctions under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. Hayashi emphasized Japan's commitment to collaborating with the international community, including G7 nations, to pressure the Israeli government into halting settlement activities in the West Bank.

The sanctions are a response to Japan's call for an end to settlement activities targeting Palestinian communities. Hayashi noted that since the October 7 attacks, there has been an increase in violent acts by Israeli settlers, leading to the displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank.

Other G7 countries, including Canada and the UK, have also proposed sanctions against Israeli settlers. The European Union Council has approved similar sanctions against violent settlers and activists in the West Bank. On March 8, the United Nations condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements, labeling them "illegal" and denouncing the associated violence. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on July 17 that these settlements in Palestinian territory violate international law.

This move by Japan and its allies underscores the international community's growing concern over the situation in the West Bank and its impact on Palestinian communities. (ILKHA)