Twelve Western countries have expressed support for proposed European measures targeting trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including possible restrictions on settlement-related products.
The countries, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement indicating that they were either considering national measures or supporting European restrictions on trade in goods originating from settlements deemed illegal under international law.
The declaration followed remarks by UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who announced a series of measures targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The 12 countries reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called for an end to the expansion of settlements and the extension of civilian administrative powers in the occupied territory.
They also urged Israel to take steps to address violence by settlers and investigate allegations of misconduct involving Israeli forces.
While announcing their position, the countries said they recognised Israel’s security concerns and remained committed to combating antisemitism.
12 countries back european measures against West Bank settlements