UK withdraws staff and families from Jerusalem consulate
PA Media/dpa londonThe UK has withdrawn staff and their families from its consulate in East Jerusalem after Israel said it would be closed in retaliation for the UK government’s tr...
The United Kingdom has evacuated staff and their families from its consulate in East Jerusalem, following Israel's threat to close the facility in response to the UK's trade sanctions against West Bank settlements. However, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband clarified that the physical building would remain operational, but would be designated as the UK mission.
He also stated that a portion of the consulate's personnel were being withdrawn for their safety. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed that the consulate's activities had ceased, with the consul general and 20 diplomats leaving Israel, leaving only seven diplomats remaining. He added that Israel did not wish to reach this point, attributing the decision to the UK government's actions.
The retaliation follows the UK accusing Israel of ignoring reports of "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians.
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