In a moment that reflects the slow exhaustion of diplomatic patience, Britain is preparing to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank — a territory where 3.3 million Palestinians and roughly 700,000 Israeli settlers share contested ground shaped by nearly six decades of occupation. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's parliamentary statement marks what the government itself calls a complete recalibration of Britain's relationship with Israel and the Palestinians, prompted in part by Israel's plans to build 1,200 new homes in the strategically vital E1 area east of Jerusale
UK to announce West Bank settlement trade restrictions amid Israel tensions
An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank alongside Israeli settlers; there has been a surge in settler attacks on Palestinians and their property since October 2023.