- The United Kingdom, France, and Canada announced coordinated sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, highlighting Israel's growing international isolation.
- British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband accused 'settler terrorists' of committing 'ethnic cleansing' against Palestinians in the West Bank, and described the measures as a reset in UK-Israel relations.
- The sanctions include banning imports of settlement goods and imposing targeted measures against settlements and those who facilitate or profit from them.
- Nine other Western nations indicated they would introduce similar restrictions on trade with settlements illegal under international law or support European restrictions.
- Israel announced retaliatory measures including closing the UK consulate in Jerusalem and banning 12 British MPs.
- Palestine’s Ambassador to the UK called the decision 'long overdue' and a 'turning point'.
The United Kingdom, France, and Canada have taken a historic step by imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, marking a significant shift in their foreign policy.
In a speech to Parliament, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband condemned the actions of Israeli settlers, labeling them as 'settler terrorists' and accusing them of 'ethnic cleansing' against Palestinians. He stated, 'The British government agrees that there is ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in areas of the West Bank.'
The sanctions include a ban on the import of goods from these settlements and targeted measures against individuals and companies involved in their expansion. Miliband emphasized that the UK could no longer merely 'call out' injustice but must take action.
In a joint statement, leaders from the UK, France, and Canada expressed their commitment to the two-state solution, stating, 'The time has come to take further action to uphold our commitment.' The UK sanctions are expected to be implemented within six to nine months, a significant acceleration compared to typical legislation timelines.
Israel's response has been swift, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar calling the sanctions an 'absurd political decision' and announcing countermeasures, including the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem and banning 12 British MPs from entering Israel.
Palestine's Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, welcomed the sanctions as a 'turning point in UK-Palestine relations.' He stated, 'Today, Britain begins to move from condemnation to consequences.'
“The UK's import ban covers all goods from illegal settlements, with sanctions on organizations and individuals facilitating expansion. Israel retaliated by closing the UK consulate in Jerusalem and banning 12 British MPs, while Palestine's ambassador called the move 'long overdue'.”
