EU ministers weigh ban on trade with West Bank settlements

European Union foreign ministers are debating a potential ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a move that has been urged by several member states. The bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, acknowledged the "intolerable" situation in the West Bank, warning it increasingly jeopardizes the possibility of a two-state solution.

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Everyone agrees that the situation in the West Bank is truly intolerable.

Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain have already implemented their own trade restrictions on goods from these settlements, which are considered illegal under international law. The European Commission has presented options for limiting trade, including a complete ban, but consensus among the 27 member states remains elusive. Diplomats are reportedly frustrated by the slow pace of discussions, with some criticizing the Commission for delaying the issue.

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Because of what is happening in the West Bank, it is becoming increasingly impossible for a two-state solution to ever come into force.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot described the presented options as a "bone to chew slowly" rather than a genuine commitment to progress, urging for concrete proposals. A key point of contention is whether such a ban would require unanimous approval from all member states or a qualified majority. Major players like Germany and Italy are said to be undecided, further complicating the path forward. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also condemned the "relentless" expansion of Israeli settlements, noting their contribution to a major displacement crisis in the territory.

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Member states have made many requests and demands for a ban on trade with illegal settlements. We will see if these presented options will receive stronger support from the member states.