Israel says it will close the British consulate in Jerusalem after the United Kingdom, France and Canada announced plans to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank — something Australia has previously ruled out.
UK foreign minister Ed Miliband has told parliament there was “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians in parts of the West Bank and the UK could no longer just “call out” injustice and suffering but had to act to oppose the expansion of settlements, which he said threatened the viability of a Palestinian state.
International concern is growing over rising settler violence and expansion of Israeli settlements, which most countries consider illegal under international law. Israel disputes this.
In a joint statement, ministers from 12 countries, including the UK, France, Canada, Spain and Sweden, reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and signalled tougher action on settlements.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described Miliband’s comments as “outrageous lies”, announced entry bans on some British nationals and officials, and said the UK would no longer participate in a US-led Gaza coordination mission.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has ruled out Australian support for a blanket ban on settlement imports, but has indicated further sanctions against Israel are being considered.
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