12 Countries Move To Restrict Trade Linked To Israeli Settlements

GOOBJOOG NEWS | PARIS: France, Britain, Canada and nine other countries have announced plans to impose or consider national restrictions on trade in goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing concerns over settlement expansion and its impact on the prospects for a two-state solution.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Sweden said settlement expansion and violence by Israeli settlers had reached unprecedented levels.

The countries said they intend to introduce national restrictions on settlement-related trade and/or support similar measures at the European level, while some said they were actively considering further options through their respective national procedures.

The ministers said protecting the two-state solution remained essential and called for a just and lasting peace based on principles set out in the New York Declaration.

They opposed any actions that could result in the annexation of Palestinian territory or the forced displacement of Palestinians.

The statement also called on the Israeli government to halt settlement expansion and ensure that settlers responsible for violence and attacks against Palestinians are held accountable.

The countries reaffirmed Israel’s legitimate security concerns and condemned the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, while reiterating their support for the establishment of a sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security within mutually agreed and internationally recognised borders.

The joint declaration comes amid growing international concern over Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank and renewed diplomatic efforts to preserve the possibility of a negotiated two-state settlement.