In brief
Britain announced that most of its diplomats will leave the occupied East Jerusalem consulate as Israel orders a shutdown in retaliation for UK sanctions on illegal settlements. Despite the closure, the UK maintains that the building will operate as a "UK Mission" and continue to work with the Palestinian people. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar admitted that 20 diplomats and the Consul General would depart, leaving a small task‑force to carry out limited duties. The UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the withdrawal as temporary and security‑driven, pledging continuity of diplomatic engagement in the region.
Britain announced that most of its diplomats will leave the occupied East Jerusalem consulate as Israel orders a shutdown.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that 20 diplomats and the Consul General would depart, while a small task‑force of seven personnel could remain in the building with limited activities.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said that the withdrawal was temporary and driven by security concerns, but insisted the mission would continue to operate as a “UK Mission” and collaborate with the Palestinian people.
The closure follows the UK’s sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which the government has labelled illegal under international law.
