Ed Miliband warns of sanctions for illegal settlements in the West Bank

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said those who finance or facilitate illegal settlements in the West Bank "will face the full range of UK sanctions".

He also confirmed that the suspension of 30 arms export licenses to Israel "remains in full force".

However, the statement said, "The Israeli government turns a blind eye to the ethnic cleansing of the West Bank by settler terrorists."

WHAT HAPPENED?

It was stated in the international press that Britain could announce its decision to impose sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank today.

It was reported that the UK's decision could include a ban on the trade of goods produced in illegal Jewish settlements and sanctions on companies involved in construction activities.

Miliband had previously described Israel's E1 illegal settlement project, which aims to completely isolate East Jerusalem and divide the north and south of the West Bank, as a "clear violation of international law" and noted that they were evaluating the steps they would take against the usurpation of Palestinian lands.

Miliband said, "We are discussing the steps to be taken within the government and with our allies. If there is patience on this issue, we can say more in the coming weeks." He used the following expressions: