Britain, Canada and 11 European Countries Move to Restrict Trade Linked to Israeli Settlements

Britain, Canada and 11 European Countries Move to Restrict Trade Linked to Israeli Settlements
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Britain has joined Canada and 11 European countries in announcing measures aimed at restricting trade connected to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking a significant increase in Western diplomatic pressure over settlement expansion.

The participating countries — Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden — said Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law and warned that continued expansion threatens the prospects for an independent Palestinian state.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said London could no longer remain silent about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the expansion of settlements. He said the new policy was intended to support a two-state solution while distinguishing opposition to Israeli government policies from hostility toward Jewish communities.

Britain said its measures include restrictions on trade involving settlements, sanctions against individuals and companies involved in or profiting from settlement activity, and increased humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza. London has previously imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers and organizations accused of violence and intimidation against Palestinians.

The coordinated announcement comes amid growing criticism from European governments over settlement construction, settler violence and restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. The countries said these developments are undermining efforts to revive negotiations toward a two-state settlement.

Israel maintains that its military campaign in Gaza is a response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and rejects allegations that its settlement policies violate international law. The Israeli government has also rejected accusations of ethnic cleansing and disputed the authority of the International Criminal Court in cases involving Israeli officials.