London/Paris/Ottawa: Twelve countries, comprising eleven European nations and Canada, have announced that they are preparing to place national restrictions on the import and trade of goods produced in Israeli settlements that are regarded as illegal under international law. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the move on Tuesday.
According to a joint statement released by Barrot, France, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Sweden intend to introduce restrictions through their own national policies or back broader European measures targeting settlement goods.
The countries said they were “seriously considering” imposing such restrictions, along with other possible steps, in line with their individual legal and administrative procedures.
France, Britain and Canada welcomed actions already taken by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium. They said they would also work on national measures aimed at preventing the entry of goods originating from Israeli settlements.
The joint declaration criticized Israeli government policies in the occupied West Bank, warning that such actions were making the prospect of a two-state solution increasingly difficult.
It said conditions on the ground were deteriorating rapidly, with settler violence and the expansion of settlements reaching unprecedented levels. The countries also highlighted the decision to issue tenders for the E1 settlement project, describing it as unacceptable.
The 12 nations emphasized the importance of keeping the possibility of a two-state solution alive and reiterated their commitment to achieving a fair and durable peace.
“We firmly oppose any action resulting in the annexation of Palestinian land and the forced displacement of Palestinian populations,” the declaration stated.
The countries also called for an immediate halt to settlement expansion and the extension of civilian administrative powers. They further urged that settlers involved in violent acts be held responsible and called for investigations into allegations concerning Israeli forces.