London:UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has criticized the Israeli Government's decision to open tenders for settlements in E1, describing it as a direct threat to the possibility of a two-state solution. The move has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with today marking the deadline for bids for the E1 settlement tender.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Miliband emphasized that new powers have been established to sanction individuals and companies involved in constructing illegal settlements like those in E1. He urged businesses and individuals to refrain from participating in the tender process, highlighting potential legal and reputational risks, including breaches of international law.
Miliband reiterated the UK Government's stance against the continued displacement of Palestinians and the unlawful occupation, stating that they are committed to introducing legislation to ban goods imported from illegal settlements and taking action against services that finance or facilitate them. He also condemned escalating settler violence in the West Bank, referencing recent attacks on officials from several countries and a US journalist.
Concluding his statement, Miliband affirmed that the UK will not remain passive in the face of actions threatening the two-state solution.