Türkiye Supports 12-Country Move to Ban Trade with West Bank Settlements

Türkiye has welcomed and supported measures taken by 12 countries aimed at banning trade and business relations with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

In a statement issued on September 8, Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the initiative, led by the United Kingdom, France and Canada, represents an important response to settlement activity and the deteriorating situation in the West Bank.

12 Countries Take Coordinated Action

The measures were announced by the UK, France, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

The countries are taking or supporting national restrictions targeting commercial transactions and business relations connected to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The UK, France and Canada announced import bans on products from settlements, while the other participating countries backed or moved toward similar restrictions.

Türkiye Welcomes the Measures

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said it supports the steps taken by the 12 countries and called on other members of the international community to adopt similar measures.

Ankara said that settlement expansion is undermining efforts toward a two-state solution and argued that a stronger international response is necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Türkiye’s Position on the Two-State Solution

According to the Foreign Ministry, Türkiye will continue supporting the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministry also described the expansion of settlements and escalating settler violence as a growing threat to the prospects for Palestinian statehood.

Trade Restrictions and International Response

The new measures mark a further step by several Western countries to put economic and diplomatic pressure on Israel over settlement expansion in the West Bank.

The UK, France and Canada have introduced the most direct trade restrictions, while several other European countries have supported the initiative or announced plans for similar measures.

Israel has strongly criticized the measures. The developments have added to already tense relations between Israel and several European governments over settlement policy and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Türkiye says it will continue diplomatic efforts in support of a Palestinian state and a long-term political solution to the conflict.