EU to discuss ban on products from illegal ’Israeli’ settlements

BRUSSELS, July 11 (YPA) – European Union foreign ministers will discuss next Monday a possible ban on importing products from Israeli settlements, following pressure from several member states on the bloc to take action.

Diplomats said the discussion, which will take place during a meeting in Brussels on Monday, is expected to help determine the level of support available for moving forward with such measures.

Several EU countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain, have imposed their own trade restrictions on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which are considered illegal under international law.

Amid growing pressure on the bloc to take action, options for limiting trade with settlements were presented this week, including the possibility of imposing a ban.

A dispute remains within the EU over whether such a measure requires the unanimous approval of all 27 member states or whether a qualified majority would be sufficient.

@E.Y.M