UK announces sanctions on West Bank settlements prompting furious Israeli response
The UK has imposed sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, citing concerns over settler violence and the displacement of Palestinians. Israel has responded by condemning the move as a lie and announcing retaliatory measures, including closing the UK consulate in East Jerusalem.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in UK foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has triggered a diplomatic rift between the two nations.
Figure caption, Watch: There is ethnic cleansing in areas of the West Bank, says Miliband
The UK has announced sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, accusing Israel's government of turning a blind eye to the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians by settlers.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the move marked the "beginning of a new approach" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which "not only calls out injustice and suffering but acts".
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded by accusing him of spreading an "outrageous lie" as he announced counter-measures including shutting the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem.
The UK sanctions will ban settlement goods but also act against companies and individuals providing services for settlement expansion.
In West Bank, date farmers weigh impact of UK sanctions on Israeli settlers
Published 2 hours ago How Israel is expanding settlements in drive to reshape West Bank
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