Brussels: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has expressed support for a European Union-wide ban on trading with illegal Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territories, describing it as a necessary 'principled stance.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Kallas conveyed in an interview with The Irish Times that there is widespread consensus among EU foreign ministers that the expansion of Israeli settlements contravenes international law. Kallas drew parallels to the EU's response to the occupation of Crimea, stating, "When Crimea was occupied, then it was very clear -- it's illegal, we don't recognize this. We should have the same principled stance -- you know this is illegal, everybody agrees, so we should stop trading with Occupied (Palestinian) Territories."

Kallas highlighted that implementing an EU ban on imports from these settlements wouldn't require unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Since the proposed ban can be categorized as a trade measure rather than a foreign policy decision, it would need a qualified majority from at least 15 member states representing approximately two-thirds of the EU's population.

Historically, the EU has faced challenges in imposing sanctions on Israel due to the need for unanimity in foreign policy decisions. Kallas pointed out that the European Commission is experiencing 'very clear' pressure from national governments to propose such a trade ban, and EU foreign ministers are awaiting decisive action from the bloc's executive body.

Though the trade volume from Israeli settlements is limited, Kallas emphasized that a ban would carry significant symbolic weight. She also acknowledged the varied positions of member states concerning relations with Israel, noting the 'pros and cons' of acting before Israel's parliamentary elections in late October.

Furthermore, Kallas reiterated the EU members' collective commitment to supporting a two-state solution and ensuring that humanitarian aid to Palestinians remains apolitical.