France, UK, Canada, others end trade with West Bank settlements
The decision was taken against the backdrop of an escalation in settler violence and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
France and Canada are set to follow the UK in imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements, according to Whitehall sources who have informed Middle East Eye. This move is expected to significantly isolate the Israeli government diplomatically and is a notable diplomatic triumph for Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration. Despite the opposition from several parties within the UK, including Reform UK which accused the government of being "anti-Jewish," the sanctions are likely to be met with much support domestically.
France and Canada's announcement is anticipated to further bolster the pressure on Israel, particularly regarding its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The three nations acting collectively are expected to be seen as a strong rebuke to the US's Middle East policy by traditional American allies. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is anticipated to reveal additional measures in Parliament later in the day.
It is reported that the UK government had already decided to ban goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements, and that these new measures represent the beginning of a broader change in the British approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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