The UK government has announced new sanctions against illegal Israeli settlers in the West Bank, accusing them of “ethnic cleansing”.
As part of coordinated action with France and Canada to restrict trade, the UK will ban imports from illegal settlements and establish new legal mechanisms to target individuals and companies that profit from, support, or facilitate settlement expansion.
Extremist settlers who have incited or carried out acts of violence against Palestinian communities will also face direct sanctions.
Emphasising the UK’s commitment to advancing a two-state solution, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain is “willing to lead.”
“In an increasingly volatile world, Britain must be willing to lead. The British people expect it, as do our international partners, and I am determined my government will continue to act in defence of our values,” he said.
Addressing the House of Commons, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband underscored the severity of the situation, explicitly accusing Israeli settlers of “ethnic cleansing.”
“The British government agrees that there is ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in areas of the West Bank, perpetrated by settler terrorists. All too often the Israeli government has turned a blind eye to this and worse, members of it have made statements and taken actions to support the forced displacement of Palestinians. I recognise the gravity of saying this, but the truth is the least the people who face such suffering deserve. And it should be the prelude to justice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Australia has indicated it will not immediately replicate the UK’s trade restrictions.
Speaking in the Senate, Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed, “[Australia is] not, at this time, pursuing a blanket style import ban.”
However, Senator Wong sharply criticised Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, stating the “Netanyahu government’s actions in the West Bank, the rapid expansion of settlements, the proposed E1 settlement development and flagrant settler violence are extinguishing the possibility of a two-state solution.”
