Ankara: France has decided to ban the trade of goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to an announcement by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. This move is part of a larger effort to extend this measure across the European Union, aiming to address concerns over the expansion of Israeli settlements.
According to Anadolu Agency, the French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux stated that the decision was made in light of the deteriorating situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the increasing settlement activities, and the potential irreversible nature of these actions. Confavreux emphasized that the decision aligns with international law, highlighting Israeli settlements' illegality under international standards.
Confavreux particularly pointed out the Israeli plans for the E1 settlement area, noting that recent tender demands for housing construction threaten the territorial continuity of the West Bank, which jeopardizes the two-state solution. The spokesperson referenced a July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which outlined an obligation to avoid economic relations that could strengthen Israel's unlawful presence in the occupied territories.
The French measure is not considered a boycott of Israel, Confavreux clarified, stressing that it specifically targets the occupied Palestinian territories, which are not recognized as part of Israel's internationally accepted territory. France maintains Israel as an economic partner and seeks to strengthen bilateral economic and commercial exchanges.
While France has already undertaken significant preparatory work for the trade ban, further efforts are required to finalize the legal and technical aspects, including goods traceability and verification, and the legal mechanism for implementation. Confavreux noted that France is advocating for the measure to be adopted across the EU, pending a proposal from the European Commission.
Despite the lack of a majority agreement at the European level, France is proceeding with the initiative at the national level, alongside other states. Confavreux highlighted the urgency due to increasing colonization and violence, urging the European Commission to act.
The spokesperson dismissed any connection between the decision and Israel's upcoming elections, asserting that it is part of France's ongoing commitment to preserving the possibility of a two-state solution amid escalating settlement activity and violence.
In a related development, the foreign ministers of 12 countries announced intentions to impose or consider trade restrictions on goods from illegal Israeli settlements. These countries have expressed concerns that Israel's actions in the West Bank undermine a two-state solution's prospects. In response, Israel has announced the closure of the UK's consulate in occupied East Jerusalem, which serves Palestinians.