UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has announced sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking a significant shift in British policy towards the region.

Miliband told parliament on Tuesday that Britain will introduce an import ban on goods from Israeli settlements, along with a comprehensive sanctions regime. He argued that the UK could no longer simply “call out” injustice and suffering, but must “act” to oppose the expansion of settlements.

“Today we refuse to be bystanders to further suffering and to the destruction of the two-state solution,” Miliband said, referencing Britain's long-held support for the two-state solution, which Israel opposes. He also stated that Britain considers the occupation of the West Bank unlawful and believes there is “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians in parts of the territory.

The move has drawn criticism from the United States, whose ambassador to Israel reportedly questioned the plan, and two Israeli ministers have called for countermeasures against Britain. The sanctions are expected to have minimal impact on the £6 billion ($8.12bn) annual bilateral trade between the UK and Israel, as details remain unclear on how the UK will differentiate goods originating from West Bank settlements versus those made in Israel.

The announcement reflects growing international pressure on Israel over its settlement policies, which are widely seen as undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state. However, critics argue that the UK's measures are largely symbolic and may not significantly alter the situation on the ground.

Source: www.aljazeera.com