Twelve states are planning trade sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank

Twelve states, including Great Britain, several EU countries and Canada, want to sanction trade in products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

A joint statement by the foreign ministries of the twelve countries published on Tuesday said they were determined to “impose national restrictions on trade in goods from settlements illegal under international law and/or support corresponding European restrictions.”

The initiative, in which Germany is not involved, is directed against the growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank and against the expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Edward Miliband announced in the House of Commons on Tuesday that he would toughen his stance against Israel and impose a boycott on goods produced by Israeli companies in the occupied West Bank.

British Prime Minister Andrew Burnham has previously said more must be done to “ensure that the Israeli government respects international law and keeps the prospect of a two-state solution alive.”