New UK sanctions powers enable action against supporters of illegal Israeli settlements
The UK is expanding its sanctions powers to freeze assets and target entities enabling illegal Israeli settlements, obstructing humanitarian aid or unlawfully holding prisoners. The statutory instrument introducing the Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law sanctions adds three new grounds to the 2020 regime: serious violations of international humanitarian law, obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and serious violations of the right to liberty and security. Unlawful settlement activity will be captured as a breach of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva convention on occupation. The measures extend beyond direct perpetrators to facilitators, financers and beneficiaries, with banks and commercial entities potentially covered since designation requires only reasonable grounds to suspect involvement. Last week Israel closed the UK consulate in protest, forcing the withdrawal of 21 diplomats and downgrading it to a mission, but the UK has proceeded regardless.
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