UK sanctions individuals and groups for West Bank settler violence

The foreign secretary has announced sanctions on extremist groups and individuals for violence in the West Bank.

The sanctions target two groups who are known to have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, as well as 4 individuals responsible for perpetrating human rights abuses against these communities.

The government says the measures follow an unprecedented rise in settler violence in the West Bank over the last year, with the UN recording at least 800 incidents since October.

One of the groups sanctioned is Hilltop Youth, which the government says is a hardline nationalist Israeli youth group, which which establishes illegal settler outposts across the West Bank with the stated mission of expelling all Palestinians from the Occupied Territories.

The other group is Lehava, which has been sanctioned for facilitating, inciting, and promoting violence against Arab and Palestinian communities.

Foreign secretary Lord Cameron said: "Extremist settlers are undermining security and stability and threatening prospects for peace.

"This latest package of sanctions targets 2 groups leading these attacks, and 4 individuals who are directly responsible for egregious violence against Palestinian civilians.

"The Israeli authorities must clamp down on those responsible. The UK will not hesitate to take further action if needed, including through further sanctions."