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‘Not the act of a friend’: Israel’s deadline to close UK consulate nears
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Israel has given the UK a 30-day deadline to close its East Jerusalem consulate, a retaliatory move following UK sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements.
- Former British consul general Sir Vincent Fean and human rights advocates deem Israel’s order unlawful under international law and warn it undermines UK-Palestine diplomatic relations.
- The UK-Israel relationship has deteriorated, with the UK threatening to expel 27 Israeli diplomats and Israel expelling the UK from a Gaza coordination center and barring UK lawmakers from entry.
- The consulate serves as a vital communication channel between the UK and Palestinian authorities, and its closure could disrupt consular services and diplomatic efforts in the region.
- The UK government has not publicly commented on Israel’s closure order or its response, while experts suggest alternative arrangements could be made if forced closure occurs.
