European Union announces that majority of member states support trade ban with Israeli settlements

Brussels, July 13 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced on Monday that a majority of EU foreign ministers supported moving forward with the option of banning trade with Israeli settlements, as it was the choice that received the broadest support during their meeting in Brussels.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Kallas said, “The option that received the greatest support is banning trade with the illegal settlements,” adding that foreign ministers had instructed the ambassadors of member states to continue working on this file and to study the next steps. She further noted that ministers also agreed on the possibility of holding an extraordinary meeting if needed to continue discussions on potential measures.

Kallas emphasized that the options presented by the European Commission “are directed against the illegal settlements that undermine the two-state solution,” describing the situation in the occupied West Bank as “unbearable.” She explained that the European Commission had presented several options to address the escalating violence by settlers against Palestinians, noting that the Commission’s legal opinion suggests that taking action in this regard may not require unanimity among member states.

Last week, the European Commission presented a range of options to limit trade with Israeli settlements, including imposing a ban on importing their products, amid growing calls from several member states for a unified European response. (End) A.R.N. / M.A.H.A.