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PA Calls Sanctions on Israeli Settlements ‘Important’ Step to Accountability

View of an area near the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the occupied West Bank, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP)
View of an area near the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the occupied West Bank, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP)
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PA Calls Sanctions on Israeli Settlements ‘Important’ Step to Accountability

View of an area near the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the occupied West Bank, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP)
View of an area near the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the occupied West Bank, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP)

The Palestinian Authority on Tuesday welcomed the announcement by 12 countries of trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling it "an important step" to accountability.

"This as an important practical step toward holding the settlement system accountable and demonstrating non-recognition of the unlawful situation created by the occupation," Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's office said in a statement.

Twelve countries including Britain, Canada and France announced Tuesday they would sanction trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, after increasing attacks by settlers against Palestinians in the occupied territory.

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden also plan to issue restrictions on trade with the settlements, the nations' foreign ministers said in a joint statement.

The action follows weeks of increasing attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian villages in the illegally occupied territory that has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community.

Ireland and Spain have already taken measures against trade with Israeli settlements, and France has for weeks been pushing for a similar decision from the European Union, Israel's leading trading partner, but has been blocked by some members.

The 12 ministers said actions by the Israeli government in the West Bank was "undermining the possibility of a two-state solution" referring to a plan under which two states -- one Israeli and one Palestinian -- would live peacefully side by side.

"The situation is rapidly deteriorating amid unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion," they warned.

The E1 settlement plan -- approved by Israel last year after decades of being frozen, notably due to pressure from successive US administrations -- would see 1,200 housing units built in the West Bank.

It would further isolate Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem from the rest of the occupied territory.

During an address to the UK parliament, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband accused the Israeli government of turning a "blind eye" to what he called "ethnic cleansing" by the Israeli settlers.

He announced Britain would introduce an "import ban on goods from illegal settlements in the occupied territories".

"I do not believe the British people want us supporting the occupation by accepting products from settlements in our shops and supermarkets," he told the British parliament, flanked by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

"We will take action against specific companies and individuals who provide services such as construction, infrastructure, financing, or real estate for settlement expansion," he added.

In a statement posted on X, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France "will end trade" with settlements located in the occupied territories.

Commenting on Britain's move, America's ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told BBC Radio Tuesday: "I feel like it's discrimination against the Israeli government. It's a discrimination against the Jewish people."

Milibrand is the son of Jewish immigrant parents.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who leads a far-right party that advocates the annexation of the entire West Bank, called for the expulsion of Britain's ambassador to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue establishing the illegal settlements despite mounting international pressure, promising a major wave of settler immigration into the West Bank.

Some of the violence by settlers in recent weeks had drawn rare condemnation from Netanyahu and unusually strong criticism from Huckabee, as well as more typical critics in European capitals.

The UK government's move signals a toughening of its stance towards Israel under Burnham, who entered Downing Street in July after Keir Starmer stepped down.

Burnham has said that Starmer was too soft on Israel, which faced intense international criticism over its relentless offensive that flattened much of Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.

Starmer's government did, however, announce sanctions on six entities and one person "involved in financing, enabling and carrying out settler violence" back in June and last year formally recognized a Palestinian state.

More than 500,000 Israelis live in illegal settlements in the West Bank, among some three million Palestinians.

According to an AFP tally based on data from the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli forces or settlers have killed at least 1,105 Palestinians in the territory since the start of the Gaza war.

Trade between the UK and the Occupied Palestinian Territories was around only £38 million ($51 million) in 2025, according to the government, implying the move could be largely symbolic.

Critics have also said it could be difficult to distinguish goods from the West Bank from those from the rest of Israel.

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Arab World

French Foreign Minister Discusses Post-UNIFIL Arrangements in Beirut

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri meets French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (Lebanese Parliament Speaker’s Office). 
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri meets French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (Lebanese Parliament Speaker’s Office). 
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French Foreign Minister Discusses Post-UNIFIL Arrangements in Beirut

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri meets French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (Lebanese Parliament Speaker’s Office). 
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri meets French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (Lebanese Parliament Speaker’s Office). 

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot continued talks in Beirut on Sunday over the future of the international presence in South Lebanon after the UN peacekeeping mission's mandate ends, as Paris seeks to prevent a security vacuum and preserve international oversight of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Accompanied by Alice Rufo, French Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Barrot met Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a day after holding talks with President Joseph Aoun.

The discussions focused on strengthening international support for Lebanon, securing Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanese territory and reinforcing the Lebanese Army amid concerns that the departure of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) could leave a security vacuum before Resolution 1701 is fully implemented.

At the Grand Serail, Salam received the French delegation in the presence of French Ambassador Patrick Durel and Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh.

The prime minister stressed the need to preserve an international presence in South Lebanon capable of monitoring developments, reporting on violations and maintaining communication under a new Security Council mandate.

Such arrangements, he argued, were essential to preventing a security vacuum or the emergence of a new security situation along the border.

Salam welcomed France’s continued support, particularly its efforts to secure Israel’s complete withdrawal and help Lebanon extend state authority across its territory through its own forces.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the Lebanese Army’s capabilities so it could assume its security responsibilities.

The talks addressed recovery and reconstruction in the south, including restoring essential services, helping residents remain in their communities and reinforcing the presence of state institutions.

Economic discussions focused on the government’s financial and economic reforms and the importance of reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

Barrot reaffirmed France’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, pledging continued support for the state and its armed forces.

He also expressed Paris’ readiness to help shape future international security arrangements while supporting reforms, economic recovery and reconstruction.

Berri insists on preserving UNIFIL’s role

Later Sunday, Berri received the French delegation, accompanied by Durel, for discussions covering political and security developments, bilateral relations and Lebanon’s determination to maintain UNIFIL’s presence.

Berri thanked France and President Emmanuel Macron for their support, paying tribute to the sacrifices of French peacekeepers and the contribution of UNIFIL personnel over more than 48 years in implementing international resolutions, particularly Resolutions 425 and 1701.

He emphasized that the peacekeepers’ role extended beyond military and security operations to humanitarian, cultural, economic and social activities.

According to Berri, Lebanese authorities and the public were united in their support for keeping the international force in place.

He called for coordinated French, European, international and regional efforts to prevent a vacuum if UNIFIL’s mandate expires before Resolution 1701 has been fully implemented.

Berri maintained that Lebanon had complied with the resolution while Israel continued to violate its provisions, carry out military operations and occupy parts of South Lebanon.

International efforts, he argued, should focus on ending Israeli attacks and compelling Israel to implement UN resolutions rather than undermining them.

Aoun open to alternative arrangements

During Saturday’s meeting with Barrot and Rufo, Aoun welcomed French diplomatic efforts at the United Nations and Security Council to establish arrangements that would prevent a security vacuum.

While reiterating Lebanon’s preference for extending UNIFIL’s mandate, he expressed willingness to consider alternatives that would preserve an international presence in the south.

Aoun stressed the importance of avoiding a situation in which the Lebanese Army would find itself in direct confrontation with Israeli forces in occupied areas.

The discussions come as Lebanon and its international partners prepare for UNIFIL’s departure following a Security Council decision in August 2025 to end the mission’s mandate by the close of 2026.

France and Italy announced in June their intention to work toward establishing a multinational force to succeed the UN mission.

Paris has since underlined the need for a new international framework to support Lebanese sovereignty and prevent a security vacuum that could threaten stability in South Lebanon.

Arab World

Hezbollah’s Actions Raise Fears of Internal Escalation in Lebanon

A Lebanese army patrol in Beirut. (Lebanese Army)
A Lebanese army patrol in Beirut. (Lebanese Army)
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Hezbollah’s Actions Raise Fears of Internal Escalation in Lebanon

A Lebanese army patrol in Beirut. (Lebanese Army)
A Lebanese army patrol in Beirut. (Lebanese Army)

Fears of renewed internal tensions are growing in Lebanon as Hezbollah steps up its confrontational rhetoric toward the authorities and its supporters take to the streets of Beirut and its southern suburbs.

Against a backdrop of regional upheaval and mounting pressure on Iran, the developments have raised questions about whether Hezbollah is seeking to challenge the government’s authority or preparing further moves at home in response to shifting regional dynamics.

Ministerial sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that while the possibility of escalation remained a concern, there was no indication that any such move was imminent. The sources insisted that security agencies would continue enforcing government decisions, regardless of Hezbollah’s objections, and ruled out concessions over recent security and judicial measures.

They described the Iran-backed group’s increasingly defiant statements, particularly over a seized explosives shipment last week, as a reaction to the authorities’ actions rather than a reason to reconsider them.

President Joseph Aoun is due to chair a meeting of security chiefs at the presidential palace Monday afternoon to review recent developments, including the explosives shipment.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, meanwhile, reaffirmed that lasting stability depends on extending state authority throughout Lebanon, even if gradually, through its own security forces. Decisions on war and peace, he stressed, must remain exclusively with the state and its constitutional institutions.

Salam contacted Army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal and Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Raed Abdallah to commend the reinforced security presence across Greater Beirut following nighttime gatherings that had unsettled residents.

He also met Justice Minister Adel Nassar and Prosecutor General Rami al-Hajj to follow up on investigations into the explosives seized at Dahr al-Baidar and subsequent incidents, including efforts to arrest those involved in possessing or transporting illegal weapons.

He stressed that all action would be governed by the law.

The Lebanese army deployed at an entrance to Beirut's southern suburbs. (Lebanese Army)

Government refuses to back down

The government’s determination to retain exclusive control over weapons was echoed by Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi during the 52nd meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Iraq.

Raggi recalled the August 2025 decision to impose state monopoly over arms and extend state authority across the country.

He argued that sovereignty could not coexist with competing armed forces, nor could stability be achieved while decisions affecting the country were taken outside state institutions.

The increasingly tense atmosphere has also prompted warnings from Lebanese political figures.

MP Ibrahim Mneimneh suggested that the mobilization of Hezbollah supporters could be intended to prepare the ground for action at the right circumstances.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he argued that Hezbollah appeared to be seeking a return to the situation that prevailed before the government’s decisions on weapons monopoly, while demonstrating that those measures carried little practical weight.

He did not rule out a link to Iran’s regional calculations or the broader political and security arrangements taking shape in the region.

For Mneimneh, the decisive issue was how the state would respond to any challenge. Unless it seriously addressed weapons outside its control, he cautioned, “Lebanon would remain hostage to the same circumstances.”

He urged the authorities to begin implementing their decisions, particularly the pledge to keep Beirut free of weapons, describing it as an “essential step toward restoring state authority in the capital.”

Lebanese Forces MP Antoine Habchi, for his part, accused Hezbollah of invoking the threat of civil war to buy time.

“Any internal fighting at this stage would be disastrous for Hezbollah itself, calling for the government’s decisions to be implemented without ambiguity,” he urged.

A Hezbollah supporter raises the party's flag at a demonstration in Beirut's southern suburbs. (AFP)

Tensions on the ground

The Lebanese Army has deployed heavily in Beirut for several days, particularly around the southern suburbs and their entrances, amid concerns that Hezbollah supporters could stage further demonstrations.

The deployments coincide with ongoing investigations into the explosives seized at Dahr al-Baidar and a warehouse containing expired medicines.

On Friday evening, young men on motorcycles attempted to obstruct an Internal Security Forces patrol during a raid on the warehouse near the entrance to the southern suburbs. The army intervened, allowing the patrol to seal the premises.

Although Hezbollah denied any connection to the warehouse, reports alleged that a son of its secretary-general, Naim Qassem, was a partner in the business.

MP Paula Yacoubian repeated the allegation on Al Jadeed television Sunday, saying the other partner was the candidate backed by the Shiite political alliance for Lebanon’s pharmacists’ syndicate.

Qassem’s son denied involvement, saying the case was now in the hands of the relevant security and judicial authorities.

Hezbollah nevertheless protested the raid, insisting that operations in sensitive areas follow previously agreed coordination procedures - an apparent reference to arrangements that existed before the government’s recent decisions concerning its weapons.

The confrontation followed another dispute over a truck carrying around 780 kilograms of explosives seized by authorities at a Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint. Hezbollah acknowledged ownership of both the truck and its cargo, demanding their return and the release of those detained.

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah initially declared that the group “would not tolerate measures targeting it to satisfy US demands.”

On Sunday, he shifted responsibility for the mounting tensions onto the state, accusing the authorities of pushing Lebanon toward internal confrontation under American pressure.

He questioned who stood to benefit from such a confrontation and why the government appeared determined “to provoke tensions rather than defuse them.”

Arab World

UN Agency Slashes Gaza Food Aid Over Funding, Warns Needs Persist

A Palestinian man carries metal sheets past the ruins of buildings destroyed during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP)
A Palestinian man carries metal sheets past the ruins of buildings destroyed during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP)
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UN Agency Slashes Gaza Food Aid Over Funding, Warns Needs Persist

A Palestinian man carries metal sheets past the ruins of buildings destroyed during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP)
A Palestinian man carries metal sheets past the ruins of buildings destroyed during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP)

The World Food Program said Monday it would end monthly assistance to 500,000 people in Gaza due to a funding shortfall, despite acute needs in the war-battered Palestinian territory. 

With the cutbacks, 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza -- still about half the population -- will be receiving either food or cash assistance each month from the UN agency, in reduced amounts. 

The World Food Program said its efforts had mitigated the effects during a famine last year in Gaza -- a description of the situation disputed by Israel -- and warned that conditions had not improved to the point that it can take away aid. 

"People are not safe. Airstrikes continue on a daily basis. People continue to be displaced," Shaun Hughes, the WFP country director, told AFP at the agency's office in east Jerusalem. 

"Almost everybody remains without a permanent home to live in. And the humanitarian conditions are brutal," he said. 

According to the latest assessments, 1.4 million people -- or two-thirds of Gaza's population -- are still "acutely food insecure" and need humanitarian assistance to survive, he said. 

In August last year, the UN's Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said that Gaza was suffering famine conditions. Israel, which has blockaded the territory and attacked it relentlessly since the unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on it by Hamas, described the finding as a lie. 

The famine classification was lifted in December, two months after a US-brokered ceasefire was announced in Gaza. Israel has kept striking Gaza since then, vowing to kill anyone involved in the October 7 attack. 

Since the ceasefire, the WFP has been able to step up assistance and had been reaching between 1.5 million and 1.8 million people every month. 

"This has been a lifeline. But now, rather than being able to sustain and scale up that assistance, we're actually having to reduce it," Hughes said. 

"And that's not because we don't have humanitarian access to deliver food; that's because we don't have funding." 

- Less aid to each recipient - 

In addition to reducing the number of people who receive rations, the WFP has been forced to shrink the content. 

Families receiving food assistance will now get only one food parcel instead of two and a smaller bag of wheat flour, the WFP said in an operational note. 

The 75,000 families who receive assistance in cash will see the amount reduced from 1,250 to 750 shekels ($400 to $240) per month. 

The WFP is funded by governments as well as private donors. It has seen a sharp drop in resources, including after President Donald Trump returned to power in the United States and drastically slashed contributions to UN agencies as well as bilateral aid. 

The agency says it needs about $450 million over the next six months for its operations in Gaza and the West Bank, but in 2026 it has only received about half the usual financing for the Palestinian territories. 

In September, the agency also reduced by half the number of aid recipients in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, from 400,000 to 200,000. 

"Now is not the time in the history of Palestine and Gaza to turn away from what is happening in Gaza," Hughes said. 

The WFP says that conditions have moderately improved in Gaza but noted that needs could rise again with the onset of winter. 

Israel has allowed more goods into Gaza under the terms of the Trump ceasefire but still imposes heavy restrictions, turning away shipments of anything that is seen as having potential military use -- a policy that has included blocking even prosthetic limbs, according to the United Nations. 

Israel has ramped up longstanding criticism of the United Nations since the Gaza war, accusing the world body of bias and perpetuating dependency among Palestinians.