UK to make last-ditch effort to stop Israel closing East Jerusalem consulate
Summary
The UK government is trying to stop Israel from closing the British consulate in East Jerusalem, which Israel plans to shut down in response to UK sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The consulate helps manage UK relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.Key Facts
- Israel announced in September it would close the British consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days after the UK imposed sanctions on Israeli settlements.
- The UK sanctions ban goods from settlements and target companies and people involved in settlement expansion.
- The British consulate in East Jerusalem is separate from the embassy in Tel Aviv and was first established in 1838.
- The consulate serves Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
- UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell visited Israel for talks but left without an agreement.
- The UK may expel up to 27 Israeli diplomats if Israel closes the consulate, but the UK Foreign Office has not confirmed this.
- France and Canada joined the UK in sanctions, but Israel has not acted against their missions.
- UK officials say closing the consulate would harm their important work supporting local communities.
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