EU Faces Pressure to End Trade with Israeli Settlements

The European Union will discuss a possible ban on imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to The Guardian.

Foreign ministers from member states will review three options prepared by the European Commission in Brussels, ranging from a complete or partial import ban to high tariffs and an import licensing system.

According to diplomatic sources, no concrete decision is expected at this stage, as member states remain divided in their stance toward Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Several countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, argue that the EU has a legal obligation to end trade with Israeli settlements, following a ruling by the International Court of Justice.

More than a hundred experts in international law and several human rights organizations share this view, warning that further delays could increase the Union's legal liability.

(mja)