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The United States has denounced sanctions by Britain and four mutual allies, including New Zealand, against Israeli far-right ministers, saying they should focus instead on the Palestinian armed group Hamas. 

“We find that extremely unhelpful. It will do nothing to get us closer to a ceasefire in Gaza,” State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters. 

Britain, Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Australia “should focus on the real culprit, which is Hamas”, she said of the sanctions. 

“We remain concerned about any step that would further isolate Israel from the international community.” 

Five nations ban ministers 

The five Western countries imposed sanctions on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for “repeated incitements of violence” against Palestinians. 

The two ministers faced repeated criticism but no formal sanctions under former US President Joe Biden. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has vowed unstinting support for Israel. 

“If our allies want to help, they should focus on supporting Special Envoy [Steve] Witkoff’s negotiations and backing the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation when it comes to food and aid,” she said. 

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed aid in coordination with the Israeli military, an effort criticised by the United Nations and longstanding aid groups, which say it violates humanitarian principles. 

Spokesperson for the US Department of State Tammy Bruce. Photo / Andrew Thomas, Middle East Images via AFP 

- Agence France-Presse 

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