Western allies step up pressure on Israel over West Bank settlements

Britain, France and Canada are joining growing international pressure on Israel over settlement expansion and rising violence in the occupied West Bank. The three countries said Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and warned they are threatening the possibility of a future two-state solution. Twelve countries, including the UK, France and Canada, also announced plans to restrict trade in goods from Israeli settlements, with France saying it will begin the process of banning such products. The move follows Israel’s approval of more housing in the E1 settlement area near Jerusalem. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog criticized the planned restrictions, while Palestinian officials welcomed them but called for stronger international action to stop settlement expansion. Credit : CGTN