UK, France, Canada say sanctions 'turning point' in approach to protecting 2-state solution

Britain, French and Canadian leaders said Tuesday that sanctions mark a "further turning" point in their approach to protecting the 2-state solution, following penalties on illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.

Andy Burnham, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney said in a joint statement that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is "critical" for peace, stability and security in the Middle East and beyond.

They noted that it is a "fundamental national interest" for the UK, France and Canada to protect and secure that outcome.

"Systematic settlement expansion in the West Bank, including the Government of Israel’s latest decision to progress the E1 settlement, as well as the dramatic increase in settler violence, pose a direct and urgent threat to that vision for peace," it said,

Noting that they recognized the state of Palestine one year ago, the leaders said the time has come to take further action to uphold their commitment to protect the two-state solution, their interests and to stand up for their values, "before it is too late."

"Settlements are illegal under international law. The UK, France and Canada will therefore take steps to ban the importation of goods from settlements and enforce targeted measures against settlements and those who facilitate them or profit from them."

Referring to the move to impose a trade ban targeting illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, the statement said Tuesday marks a "further turning point" in their approach to protecting the two-state solution.

"We will co-chair a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly later this month to advance our efforts and pursue peace," it added.

Eleven European countries, including the UK and France and Canada, announced plans Tuesday to introduce national restrictions on trade in goods with Israeli settlements that are illegal under international law.