The Biden administration is reportedly taking steps to impose travel bans on Israeli settlers allegedly involved in attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. According to a senior U.S. official, Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed this intention to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war Cabinet during a meeting. The administration aims to hold the settlers accountable for their actions but would not take unilateral action.

The Associated Press reported that visa bans against an unspecified number of settlers could be announced as early as next week. Secretary Blinken discussed this matter with reporters while traveling from Tel Aviv to Dubai during his latest trip to the Middle East. He had previously raised concerns about Israeli settler violence during a news conference after meetings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Settlers who are affected by the travel ban would be excluded from the Visa Waiver Program. This program permits citizens of member countries to enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days. Israel recently became a part of this program earlier this year.

The discussion around the travel ban coincides with the Israeli Defense Forces entering what they call the "next stage of the war" following the collapse of a cease-fire deal that was not extended into Friday. As a response, Pakistan has condemned the resumption of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, accusing Israel of "war crimes" and demanding a renewed cease-fire to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

The temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which was in effect from last Friday through Thursday, saw Hamas releasing over 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip. In return, Israel freed 240 Palestinian prisoners, as reported by The Associated Press.

The Biden administration's move to consider travel bans is part of its efforts to address the ongoing conflict and maintain accountability for acts of violence. The situation in the region remains tense, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days.