France and Canada join UK in issuing trade sanctions on Israeli settlements

France and Canada will join the United Kingdom in imposing new trade sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements on Tuesday, according to a major diplomatic victory for Britain as it attempts to repair its relationship with Israel. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced that Britain, France, and Canada will ban the trade of goods and certain services originating from Israeli settlements, following their condemnation of Israel's plans for 1,200 new homes in the E1 area east of Jerusalem last month.

The U.K. stated that they will target specific companies and individuals supplying services for settlement expansion, including construction, infrastructure, financing, and real estate. Miliband emphasized that those financing or supporting illegal settlements will face the full force of UK sanctions. France's Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed the move, stating that France will terminate trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, alongside 11 other countries that have made similar commitments.

Miliband's announcement represents a significant shift in Britain's stance on Israeli settlements under new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, following a concerted diplomatic effort by the British government over the summer, including a recent visit to Downing Street by French President Emmanuel Macron.