Sydney: Apna Punjab Media: The Australian government announced sanctions against some Israelis involved in violence against West Bank residents. This is the first time the country has imposed such sanctions against Israelis over violence in the West Bank. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced financial and travel sanctions for seven Israelis and a youth group involved in violent attacks against Palestinians.
“This includes the beating, sexual assault and torture of Palestinians, resulting in serious injuries and in some cases death,” Wong said in the statement. Wong said Australia remains adamant that Israeli activities in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. He said, “We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of violence against settlers accountable and cease their ongoing activities; such activity only escalates tensions and undermines the stability and prospects of both our countries. ” Wong said on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that Australians should view the sanctions as a major punishment.
