U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the UK, Norway, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for sanctioning two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, over their comments on Gaza.

Rubio said the sanctions hinder efforts for a ceasefire and urged their reversal, affirming U.S. support for Israel.

The UK and allies accused the ministers of inciting violence against Palestinians, Politico has reported.

Israel condemned the sanctions as “outrageous,” with plans to respond soon. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee also called the sanctions an “overreach.”

Written by B.C. Begley