Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he intends to engage in discussions with Israel and several other nations that have imposed trade restrictions on goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. This move comes amid growing international disapproval of these settlements.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump acknowledged the recent decisions by 12 countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, to implement trade restrictions targeting goods from these contentious areas. When questioned about whether the US opposed these measures, Trump indicated that he had only recently become aware of the situation.

"Well, I've just seen it, and I'll be speaking to Israel, I'll be speaking to them, and I'll find out what's their thinking. I understand exactly what's going on, but I want to find out why, all of a sudden, does that happen," Trump stated, signaling his intent to delve deeper into the issue.

The announcement of trade restrictions by the UK, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden on Tuesday marks a significant international stance against the settlements. These countries have expressed their opposition to the settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.

Palestinian sources reveal that approximately 750,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in 156 settlements and 360 outposts throughout the occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. The government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal about its expansionist policies, approving the establishment of 104 new illegal settlements and 160 agricultural settlement outposts in the area since taking office in late 2022.