12 Nations Ban Trade With Israeli Settlements; US Slams British Sanctions

Twelve countries have announced a joint declaration prohibiting national-level trade in products originating from what they term "illegal Israeli settlements." This move, published 17 hours ago, signifies a coordinated international stance against goods produced in these areas.

In response to Britain's official declaration of sanctions against "illegal settlements in the West Bank," the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Harkavy, stated that the United States will retaliate against the British sanctions. Harkavy also pointed out what he described as British hypocrisy in imposing these measures.

The Palestinian Authority's Deputy Chairman and designated successor to Mahmoud Abbas, Hussein al-Sheikh, welcomed the sanctions imposed by European countries and Canada. This indicates a positive reception from Palestinian leadership towards these international actions.

Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister, Gidon Saar, announced retaliatory measures against Britain, signaling an escalating diplomatic response. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also commented on reports concerning discussions between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the ruler of the UAE, though details remain unspecified.

In separate international news, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claims to have captured an unmanned American submarine in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Iranian state television reported another Iranian oil tanker was attacked by the U.S. off the coast of Iran. Separately, a technical malfunction in the UK's air traffic control system, NATS, caused significant flight delays and cancellations across the country.