France, 11 Nations to Restrict Trade With Israeli Settlements

France and eleven other European and North American nations have announced plans to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, citing concerns that settlement expansion and settler violence undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden.

These twelve countries stated their intention to implement national measures to restrict trade in goods originating from settlements they deem illegal under international law. Some, including France, the UK, and Canada, specifically indicated they would propose national measures to ban such trade. The ministers also expressed support for similar actions at the European Union level or exploring other national avenues.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot explained the decision by describing the West Bank as "on the verge of explosion" due to "unbridled settlement expansion" and increased violence by "extremist settlers" against Palestinians. He emphasized that France would not support a situation through its trade that jeopardizes the security of both Israelis and Palestinians, nor regional peace and stability, urging the EU to adopt a similar stance.

Despite these measures, the signatories reaffirmed their commitment to Israel's security and condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which French Minister Barrot characterized as the "worst antisemitic massacre since the Shoah," noting over fifty French citizens were killed. The joint statement also called on the Israeli government to immediately halt settlement and outpost expansion, prevent settler violence, and investigate alleged actions by Israeli forces.

Ultimately, the twelve nations reiterated their support for a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and a "sovereign, democratic, and viable" Palestinian state coexisting peacefully and securely.