US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the imposition of sanctions against Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, saying "they do not advance the efforts that the US is leading to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, return the hostages home and end the war." According to him, "The United States calls on Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway to withdraw the sanctions. We reject any idea of equivalence. Hamas is a terrorist organization that has committed inconceivable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage and prevents Gaza residents from living in peace. We remind our partners - don't forget who the real enemy is."