Saudi Arabia, Allies Applaud UK Move Against Israeli Settlement Trade

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Riyadh: Saudi Arabia and seven other Arab and Muslim-majority countries have hailed the United Kingdom's decision to ban importation of items manufactured in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as impose limitations on settlement-related activities.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, and the UAE released a unified statement. They argued that the British approach could inspire the international community to take comparable steps in compliance with international law.

The countries also called for accountability for organisations and individuals involved in settlement activities, while reaffirming their support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

The UK's move is part of a bigger package aimed at limiting Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. Britain has also announced fines against individuals and businesses that assist or profit from settlement initiatives.

The measures have sparked harsh condemnation from Israel, further straining relations between London and Tel Aviv.