The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office released a statement on Thursday accusing Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank of engaging in policies amounting to “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinian communities. The declaration follows a UN‑commissioned report documenting forced evictions, demolition of homes, and restrictions on movement. In response, the UK announced a ban on the import of products originating from Israeli settlements, including agricultural produce, dairy, and construction materials. The measure aligns with the EU’s existing settlement‑goods ban and is set to take effect within six months after a review period. Israeli officials condemned the decision as “politically motivated” and warned of potential retaliatory trade actions.
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