UK government bans trade with Israeli settlements and accuses settlers of 'ethnic cleansing'

The United Kingdom, France, and Canada have announced a coordinated ban on imports originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The UK government further characterized the actions of settlers as ethnic cleansing, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions regarding the status of the territories, which are considered illegal under international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the establishment of settlements will continue despite these international measures.

In response to the UK's policy shift and accusations, Israel has announced the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem. This development highlights the growing friction between the Israeli government and its Western allies over the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.