Australia, Canada, France, Norway, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have applied coordinated sanctions against West Bank individuals and organizations they hold responsible for severe abuses directed at Palestinian civilians.

The foreign ministers of the six countries issued the announcements together on Tuesday.

Each of the nations recognizes the State of Palestine and maintains that the sanctions are intended to safeguard prospects for a two-state solution.

The ministers condemned extremist settler violence in the West Bank, stating that it drives the forced removal of Palestinian communities and weakens chances for regional peace and security.

France's Jean-Noel Barrot noted that violent settlers have operated with near impunity while settlement growth continues with Israeli government backing.

He added that some settlers carry out attacks under the cover of Israeli security forces and called on Israel to ensure those responsible face genuine consequences.

The UK is placing sanctions on six entities and one person for financing, enabling and conducting settler violence in the occupied West Bank, while Canada is designating two individuals and five entities.

Those named face asset freezes along with possible travel bans and director disqualifications.

UK guidance warns against economic ties to illegal settlements

In a new step, the UK Foreign Secretary has updated official guidance to advise businesses explicitly against economic or financial involvement in illegal settlements.

The UK supports trade with Israel inside the 1967 lines but states there must be no economic activity in illegal settlements.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the countries are acting jointly to sanction those who support violence against Palestinian communities.

She described settler expansion and violence as illegal and a core threat to a two-state solution as well as long-term peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Israel's foreign ministry rejected the measures as disgraceful and politically motivated attempts to deny Jewish settlement rights in the land of Israel.

The ministry argued that the same governments have failed to act against the Palestinian Authority's pay-for-slay policy and incitement while antisemitism rises in their own countries.