Canada has imposed sanctions on seven Israeli settlers, including prominent figures like Ben-Zion Gopstein and Elisha Yered, for their involvement in extremist violence in the West Bank. This is the second time in a month that Canada has taken such action, reflecting growing international concern over the escalating violence in the region.
The European Union has agreed on a new sanctions package targeting Belarus, aiming to close off a route used to circumvent restrictions against Russia. The package strengthens existing measures and addresses concerns about the export of dual-use goods and agricultural products.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 19 Chinese companies, alleging their support for Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. The sanctions target companies involved in the sale of satellites and satellite imagery to the Wagner mercenary group, among other activities.
The European Union has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, targeting Moscow’s shadow fleet of tankers transporting liquefied natural gas through Europe and several companies. The EU also expressed concern about a rise in Russian hybrid attacks, including election interference, cyberattacks, and sabotage. The sanctions aim to hinder Russia’s energy earnings and limit its ability to finance the war in Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned China that it could face economic consequences for supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine. Stoltenberg accused China of “trying to get it both ways” by supporting Russia while maintaining ties with European allies. He also said that NATO members are considering sanctions against China for its role in supplying Russia with military technology.
Despite sanctions imposed by Ukraine and Western allies, Russia’s gas exports to Europe surpassed those of the US in May 2023, marking a significant shift in the region’s energy dependence. This development highlights the challenges Europe faces in reducing its reliance on Russian gas, especially with several Eastern European countries continuing to rely on imports from their neighbor.
European Union nations have failed to reach an agreement on new sanctions against Russia’s lucrative liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, just a day before the start of the Ukraine Peace Summit. Germany has emerged as the main obstacle to the deal, which would have been the 14th package of sanctions imposed by EU members since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The proposed package included a ban on re-exporting Russian LNG from EU ports and financing planned Arctic and Baltic LNG terminals. Germany is concerned that broadening the sanctions to cover civilian products, such as chemicals and metalworking machinery, would negatively impact small businesses. The European Commission is reportedly negotiating with the German government to convince Berlin to lift its veto. The disagreement highlights divisions within Germany’s governing coalition, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calling for stronger sanctions against Belarus.
China’s Foreign Ministry has condemned Taiwan’s presidential inauguration and imposed sanctions on former U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, accusing him of interfering in China’s internal affairs. The ministry also criticized U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for congratulating Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te, accusing the U.S. of violating its commitment to maintain only unofficial relations with Taiwan. The inauguration of Lai, who has pledged to defend Taiwan’s democracy against China’s threats, has sparked a diplomatic rift between China and Taiwan, with China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticizing Lai’s speech as promoting separatism. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has also announced sanctions against Boeing and other defense companies for arms sales to Taiwan.
Amid reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is preparing arrest warrants against Israeli officials, House Republicans are demanding that President Biden threaten sanctions against ICC officials. The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, led by Reps. Chip Roy and Brian Mast, would force Biden to sanction the ICC if it investigates or prosecutes U.S. citizens, service members, or allies. The move comes as the Biden administration has reversed Trump-era sanctions on the ICC, despite concerns from Israel that the court is targeting it unfairly.
Iran has sanctioned several American and British individuals and entities for supporting Israel during its conflict with Hamas. The sanctions target seven Americans, including high-ranking military officials, as well as British defense officials and military commanders. Additionally, US companies Lockheed Martin and Chevron and British firms Elbit Systems, Parker Meggitt, and Rafael UK were also penalized. The sanctions include freezing assets within Iran, blocking transactions in Iranian financial systems, and prohibiting visas and entry into the country.
