Queenofbooks (@queenofbooks.bsky.social)

Singapore to sanction leaders of Israeli settler groups <article data-history-node-id="428984" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/singapore-sanction-leaders-israeli-settler-groups" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/singapore-sanction-leaders-israeli-settler-groups" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Singapore to sanction leaders of Israeli settler groups </span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Singapore said on Monday that it will impose targeted sanctions on leaders of Israeli settler groups.</p> <p>Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, speaking in parliament, condemned Israeli politicians who have spoken about annexing parts of the occupied West Bank or Gaza. </p> <p>"We call on the Israeli government to cease settlement construction and expansion," he said, citing the <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-approves-e1-settlement-smotrich-says-palestinian-state-being-erased">E1 settlement project</a> which Israel recently approved. </p> <p>"We oppose ongoing attempts to create new facts on the ground which undermine the prospects for a two-state solution."</p> <p>More details on the sanctions would be released at a later date, he said.</p> <p>Balakrishnan added that it was a matter of when not if Singapore recognises a Palestinian state and that the nation is waiting for an "appropriate constellation" of factors. </p> <p>"Ultimately, to resolve this long-standing conflict in a comprehensive, just and durable manner, there needs to be a negotiated settlement which results in two states, one Israeli [and] one Palestinian, with their peoples living alongside each other in peace, security and dignity," he said.</p> <p>While Singapore and Israel have shared close diplomatic and military ties over the decades, the city-state in 2024 voted in favour of numerous resolutions expressing support for UN recognition of a Palestinian state.</p> <p><em>Reporting by Reuters </em></p> </div> </div> </article> https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/singapore-sanction-leaders-israeli-settler-groups