Twelve countries, including the United Kingdom, France and Canada, have backed restrictions on trade in goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
In a joint statement, the governments cited unprecedented settler violence and continued settlement expansion, saying Israeli policies were undermining prospects for a two-state solution. They urged Israel to halt settlement growth, curb civilian administrative powers in the occupied territory, ensure accountability for settler violence, and investigate allegations involving Israeli forces.
The measures may be imposed nationally, through wider European action, or remain under consideration. The UK is expected to ban imports produced in Israeli settlements, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband set to outline details in Parliament. He has warned that settlement activity is putting the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state at greater risk.
France is pushing for stronger EU action, while Ireland and Spain have already adopted related measures. The United Nations and most governments consider the settlements illegal under international law; Israel rejects that position.
Leave a reaction