UK announces sanctions targeting Israeli settlements

The UK has announced sweeping sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including a ban on imports from illegal settlements. Axar.az reports, citing the Guardian, that Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the measures would also target services linked to settlements, settlement property advertising, individuals accused of promoting settler violence, and exports that 'materially contribute to the occupation.' The UK is among 12 countries announcing similar sanctions. Israel rejected the measures, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accusing Britain of making 'outrageous lies' and announcing retaliatory steps.