Israel shut down Britain’s consulate in Jerusalem

🔸 Reuters reported, citing an Israeli official, that the country has informed Britain’s consulate in Jerusalem that it must be closed within the next 30 days and that the diplomats stationed there will lose their credentials.

🔸 Israel has also instructed British representatives present in the Gaza Peace delegation led by the United States and British diplomats stationed in Ramallah to leave there within seven days.

🔸 On Tuesday, Britain, in criticism of the escalation in violence by Jewish settlers in the West Bank, announced a ban on trading in goods produced in these settlements, and said the measure is being carried out in coordination with France and Canada.

🔸 At the same time as Britain, France and Canada also announced that they will ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements.

🔸 In a speech in the Parliament of the country, David Miliband, Britain’s foreign secretary, criticized what he called “ethnic cleansing” by settlers, while criticizing the violence by settlers.

🔸 On Tuesday, 17 Shahrivar, 12 countries, including Britain, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden announced that, in response to the increase in attacks by Jewish settlers living in the West Bank on Palestinian villages, they will impose sanctions on trade with these settlements in the West Bank.

🔸 France and Sweden, which have supported Britain’s action, have consulates in Jerusalem recognized by their respective governments with the Palestinian Authority.