Twelve countries have announced that they will introduce national restrictions, support European restrictions or actively consider measures involving trade in goods produced in Israeli colonies in the occupied Palestinian territory, arguing that Israel’s actions are undermining prospects for a two-state solution. In response to the British measures, Israel announced that it would close the British Consulate in occupied East Jerusalem.
The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The ministers said the situation in the occupied West Bank is deteriorating rapidly amid escalating colonizer violence and continued expansion of Israeli colonies.
They also criticized Israel’s decision to advance tenders for the E1 colonial project, describing the move as unacceptable and harmful to efforts aimed at achieving a negotiated peace.
The countries said they intend to introduce national restrictions, support European measures targeting goods originating from colonies that are considered illegal under international law, or continue evaluating similar steps in accordance with their domestic procedures.
The United Kingdom, France and Canada announced plans to introduce national measures banning trade in colony goods, while welcoming actions already taken by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium.
The statement reaffirmed the signatories’ commitment to protecting the two-state solution and pursuing a just and lasting peace. The ministers also voiced opposition to measures that could amount to the annexation of Palestinian territory or the forcible displacement of Palestinians.
They called on Israel to halt colony expansion and the expansion of civilian administrative powers, ensure accountability for colonizer violence and investigate allegations involving Israeli forces operating in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The countries reiterated their support for a two-state solution based on relevant United Nations resolutions, envisioning an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace, security and mutual recognition within internationally recognized borders.
The statement also recognized “Israel’s legitimate security interests, condemned the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, and affirmed the countries’ determination to combat antisemitism.”
Separately, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced that the United Kingdom would ban imports of goods from Israeli colonies in the occupied West Bank and bar companies from providing services—including financing, construction, infrastructure, real estate and advertising—that support colony activity.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Miliband said Palestinians were being forced from their homes in parts of the occupied West Bank and accused the Israeli government of failing to stop the displacement.
He said the British government believes ethnic cleansing of Palestinians is taking place in parts of the occupied West Bank, perpetrated by what he called “settler terrorists.”
He added that the Israeli government had “all too often” turned a blind eye and that some of its members had made statements and taken actions supporting the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Miliband said the planned restrictions were part of a coordinated international effort and marked a further escalation of pressure on Israel over its policies in the occupied West Bank. He said the import and services measures would be implemented within six to nine months.
Israel announced that it would close the British Consulate in occupied East Jerusalem in response to the British measures. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also said Britain would be removed from the U.S.-led Gaza coordination mission and that British training of Palestinian Authority forces in the occupied West Bank would end. He added that a dozen British lawmakers and other British nationals would be barred from entering Israel.
Sa’ar called the British action “morally distorted” and “blatant interference” and described Miliband’s allegations as “outrageous lies.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the countermeasures were coordinated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Sources
- Joint Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Two-State Solution (UK Foreign Office)
- Reuters: UK to announce a trade ban on Israeli West Bank goods
- Euronews: 12 nations announce trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank
- Official House of Commons Hansard: Israel and Palestine debate, September 8, 2026.
- Reuters: Israel’s foreign minister says it is closing British consulate in East Jerusalem
- Associated Press: UK government bans goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
This report reflects verified information available at the time of publication and may be updated as further developments are confirmed.
