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The US has condemned the sanctions imposed by Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand against two Israeli ministers.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are subjected to targeted financial sanctions and travel bans, effective from today, over their roles in serious human rights abuses against Palestinians.
In a statement, the US Department of State said it urged the reversal of the sanctions.
“These sanctions do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war,” the statement read.
“We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organisation that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace. We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is. The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”
Speaking on ABC Breakfast this morning, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the decision was made on a legal basis.
On the US’s reproach, Wong said: “Through the history of our alliance, we have had differences of approach, differences of opinion. But we remain aligned in many areas of strategic objectives and interest and that will continue.”
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