UK Bans Trade With Illegal Israeli West Bank Settlements

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a reset of the United Kingdom's Middle Eastern policy by banning trade with illegal Israeli West Bank settlements. Miliband declared the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory unlawful and accused extremist settlers of committing "ethnic cleansing".

The Government of the United Kingdom has blocked imports from these settlements, denied arms licenses that contribute to the occupation, and sanctioned businesses that facilitate settlement expansion. France and Canada have expressed support for the UK's decision to block these imports.

This policy shift has increased political pressure on South Africa's Democratic Alliance. Critics argue the party is out of step with international positions because it has refused to fully endorse the Palestinian freedom struggle or support South Africa's actions at the International Court of Justice.