First minister backs UK government action on West Bank settlements
Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has expressed support for the UK government's new sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move has sparked diplomatic tension, with Israel announcing counter-measures including the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem.
Why it matters
The sanctions represent a significant shift in UK foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have triggered immediate diplomatic retaliation.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Mark Palmer Wales politics assistant editor PA Media Rhun ap Iorwerth says there needs to be international pressure put on the Israeli government First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has welcomed the sanctions announced by the UK government on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The UK government made the decision while accusing Israel's government of turning a blind eye to the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians by settlers.
Ap Iorwerth said it was "good to see" the UK part of an international coalition putting "pressure" on the Israeli government.
He said the UK government under Sir Keir Starmer had moved "far too slowly in its response to the illegal activities of the Israeli government".
Israel's leaders rejected allegations of genocide and war crimes, saying their forces had operated in accordance with international law.
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Israel Closes British Consulate Over West Bank Settlement Sanctions
UK-Israel spat gets ugly: Tel Aviv to close British consulate in Jerusalem
UK bans goods from Israeli West Bank settlements: What that really means
UK defends Israel sanctions after being told to close consulate
Pakistan among Arab, Muslim nations welcoming UK ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements
Israel targets UK in response to sanctions on settlements in West Bank
Israel to close British consulate in Jerusalem after sanctions announced
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