UK, France and Canada move to ban goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Britain’s foreign minister told parliament that settler violence amounts to ethnic cleansing and that Israel has largely looked the other way. The three countries said they will restrict imports and support measures targeting settlement-linked trade after reports of rising attacks on Palestinians.
Israel reacted swiftly, announcing the closure of Britain’s consulate in Jerusalem, banning twelve Britons including Labour lawmakers, and taking steps against diplomats and training programmes linked to the Palestinian Authority.
France’s foreign minister said Paris will end trade with the settlements, while several other European countries joined the statement condemning settlement expansion and violence. They argued the moves threaten any remaining chance of a two-state solution.
The United States said it would not take part, citing concerns over stability in the West Bank. Settlement products affected include agricultural goods, wine and cosmetics, though the overall trade volume remains relatively small.
