International pressure on Israel is growing as 12 countries announced plans to impose or consider trade restrictions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Britain, Canada and France are among the countries backing the move, alongside Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over settler violence against Palestinian communities and the continued expansion of Israeli settlements.
In a joint statement, the countries warned that Israeli government policies in the West Bank are undermining prospects for a two-state solution, in which Israel and a Palestinian state would coexist side by side.
The foreign ministers also called on Israel to immediately halt settlement expansion, ensure accountability for settler violence and investigate allegations involving Israeli forces.
Ireland and Spain have already taken measures targeting trade with Israeli settlements, while France has been pushing for similar action at the European Union level.
The 12 countries said they intend to introduce national restrictions, support European measures, or actively consider further steps against trade involving settlements considered illegal under international law.
