UK, France and Canada Act Against Israeli Settlements in West Bank
Listen to the story
The leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada have warned that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are a "direct and urgent threat" to the two-state solution. This is the idea that Israel and Palestine should exist as two separate, independent countries.
British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband gave a speech at Westminster, the home of the UK parliament, about new British sanctions. He explained that the UK will introduce a ban on importing goods that come from illegal settlements in the West Bank.
According to the report, twelve countries, including the UK and France, are now taking trade measures against products from these settlements. This marks a significant step by Western allies of Israel.
The West Bank is a territory that is home to Palestinians but partly controlled by Israeli settlements. Most of the international community, including the United Nations, considers these settlements illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this view.
By restricting trade with the settlements, the twelve countries appear to be sending a strong political message. They want to show support for a future Palestinian state existing alongside Israel.
The video report from Le Monde shows Miliband's speech at Westminster, where he set out the UK government's position on the issue.
This action comes amid growing international concern about the expansion of settlements and its effect on peace efforts in the region.
Vocabulary7 words
- settlement
- a community built by people on land, often disputed
- two-state solution
- a plan for Israel and Palestine to be two separate countries
- Westminster
- the area in London where the UK government meets
- parliament
- the group that makes a country's laws
- sanctions
- official actions taken to punish or pressure a country
- trade
- the buying and selling of goods between countries
- United Nations
- a world organization that works for peace between countries
Quiz
Answer key
1. The two-state solution 2. A ban on importing goods from illegal West Bank settlements 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The leaders of France, the UK and Canada have warned that Israeli _____ in the West Bank are a "direct and urgent threat."
This refers to the idea of a _____ between Israel and Palestine.
British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband gave a speech at _____ about new British sanctions.
He explained that the UK will introduce a ban on _____ goods from illegal settlements.
Twelve countries, including the UK and France, are taking _____ measures against products from these settlements.
Most of the international community, including the _____, considers the settlements illegal.
Israel _____ this view and says the settlements are legal.
The action comes amid growing international concern about the _____ of settlements.