An expanded regime of human rights-related sanctions came into force in the UK on Thursday. The framework gives the government wider powers to act against the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
Ed Miliband announced the changes last month. The foreign secretary said the measures would allow for swifter action to deter settlement expansion.
The new powers were timed to take effect ahead of an October 19 deadline for bids on construction of an Israeli settlement planned for the E1 area of the occupied West Bank. This area lies northeast of East Jerusalem.
The new settlement threatens prospects for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Officials said the project would separate key areas of Palestinian territory envisioned as forming part of a future state.
The expanded sanctions regime was announced alongside new provisions related to settler violence and illegal settlement activity. These measures include a ban on imports to the UK of goods produced in settlements.
The provisions also introduce newly designated powers to sanction individuals and businesses that support, facilitate or profit from illegal settlement activity.
The Foreign Office stated last month that the strengthened global human rights sanctions regime was designed to target those who commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, both in Palestine and around the world.
The tougher stance on settlements adopted by the government of Prime Minister Andy Burnham sparked a furious reaction from Israeli authorities.
Israeli authorities threatened to close the historic British consulate in Jerusalem last week. They subsequently downgraded the facility to the status of a UK mission, forcing Britain to withdraw about 20 diplomats.
