Eleven European countries and Canada announced trade sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, in a coordinated measure of reprobation of colonization activities in the region. This joint action marks a significant moment in the European response to the conflict in Palestine.
The British Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, used strong language when accusing the "settler terrorists" of practicing "ethnic cleansing" in areas of the West Bank. Miliband announced that the United Kingdom would impose a ban on importing goods from illegal settlements.
In retaliation for these measures, Israel closed the British consulate in Jerusalem. This decision represents an escalation in diplomatic tensions between the United Kingdom and Israel, which were already deteriorated.
The coordination between multiple European countries and Canada demonstrates a joint position of the international community regarding Israeli settlement policies, which are considered illegal under international law by much of the international community.
