Singapore Imposes Sanctions on 4 Israeli Settlers

Singapore has announced financial sanctions and an entry ban against four Israeli settlers accused of committing severe acts of extremist violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the individuals engaged in unlawful actions that undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

The ministry stated that Singapore, as a firm supporter of international law and a negotiated two-state settlement, rejects unilateral attempts to alter the situation on the ground through actions considered illegal under international standards. The European Union previously imposed sanctions on the same four settlers.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament in September that leaders of Israeli settler groups would face sanctions. He also criticized Israeli politicians who advocated the annexation of parts of the West Bank or Gaza, warning that the E1 settlement plan would effectively split the West Bank. Balakrishnan added that Singapore intends to recognize a Palestinian state at an appropriate time.

Despite long-standing diplomatic and defense ties between the two countries since Singapore’s independence in 1965, Singapore supported several resolutions in 2024 backing UN recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Most countries consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law, a position Israel disputes by citing historical and religious connections to the territory and arguing that settlements enhance security.

Violence by Israeli settlers surged in October, with at least 264 attacks recorded against Palestinians, according to UN data. This represents the highest monthly figure since the UN began tracking settler-related incidents in 2006.

Human Rights Watch reported on Thursday that Israel’s mass displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians from three refugee camps in the West Bank in early 2025 amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The organization urged urgent international action to hold Israeli officials accountable and prevent further abuses.

The rights group said Israeli forces forcibly displaced around 32,000 residents of the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams camps during the Iron Wall operation conducted in January and February.

A 105-page report published by the organization described widespread destruction, including the demolition of hundreds of homes and the continued prevention of displaced families from returning. Researchers found that none of the affected residents had been allowed back even ten months after the operation.

The Geneva Conventions prohibit the forced transfer of civilians from occupied territory except temporarily for imperative military reasons or civilian safety. Human Rights Watch said senior officials should be prosecuted for war crimes and crimes against humanity.