United States: The United States has imposed visa bans on Israeli settlers who were involved in recent attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank.
“Today, the State Department is implementing a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including through committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities,” US Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken, said in a statement.
The announcement follows several warnings from US President, Mr. Joe Biden, and other senior officials for Israel to take stern action to prevent violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.
The attacks there have increased after Hamas launched unprecedented strikes against Israel on October 7.
“We have underscored to the Israeli government the need to do more to hold accountable extremist settlers who have committed violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank,” Mr. Blinken remarked.
Mr. Blinken did not announce individual visa bans. Although US department spokesman, Mr. Matthew Miller, said that the bans would be implemented starting Tuesday and would cover “dozens” of settlers and their families, with more to come.
Mr. Blinken also introduced a new visa restriction policy for the ones responsible for undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.
“Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe – including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections – may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy,” Mr. Blinken added.
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