Paris: Eleven European countries along with Canada have unveiled plans to impose national restrictions on trade involving goods from Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. This announcement was made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

According to Anadolu Agency, the joint declaration was issued by Barrot, stating that the coalition of countries, which includes France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden, is committed to taking action against these settlements. These nations intend to enforce national restrictions or support European measures to curtail trade with these settlements.

The statement emphasized that the 12 countries are actively assessing the adoption of such trade restrictions or other relevant measures, aligning with their national procedures. It specifically noted that France, the United Kingdom, and Canada applaud the proactive steps already undertaken by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, and are planning to introduce their own national measures to block trade in goods originating from these settlements.

The declaration expressed concern over the actions of the Israeli government in the West Bank, highlighting that these actions compromise the potential for a two-state solution. It pointed out the alarming rise in settler violence and settlement expansion, singling out the issuance of tenders for the contentious E1 settlement project as particularly unacceptable.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the countries' opposition to any actions leading to the annexation of Palestinian territories and the forced displacement of Palestinian residents. It called on Israel to cease the expansion of illegal settlements and urged accountability for settlers involved in violence, as well as thorough investigations into allegations concerning Israeli forces.