UK Bans Trade with Israeli West Bank Settlements
The United Kingdom has announced a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, following support from France and Canada. Foreign Minister Ed Miliband revealed the decision during a House of Commons session on Tuesday. He stated the importance of moving beyond mere condemnation, asserting the need for concrete actions against the expansion of settlements, highlighting the impact on the two-state solution. The move, described by Miliband as addressing illegal occupation and its effects on Palestinians, has drawn backlash from the U.S. ambassador to Israel and sparked responses from Israeli officials, indicating a notable change in UK diplomatic stance.
Key facts
- Britain imposes trade ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
- The ban is coordinated with France and Canada.
- Foreign Minister Ed Miliband announced the ban in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
- Miliband said the UK refuses to be 'bystanders to further suffering and to the destruction of the two-state solution.'
- The UK considers the occupation unlawful and alleges ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in parts of the West Bank.
- The United States has criticized the sanctions via its ambassador to Israel.
- Two Israeli ministers have called for measures against Britain.
- Miliband became foreign minister in July.
Entities
Institutions
- UK government
- House of Commons
- France
- Canada
- United States
- Israel
Locations
- Britain
- United Kingdom
- Israel
- West Bank
- London