U.S. Denies Support for Settlement Sanctions

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that his country will not join in imposing sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, despite escalating tensions and international solidarity. He explained that the United States aims for regional stability and to avoid increasing tensions, unlike other countries such as Britain, which announced sanctions on the settlements. The United Nations considers the settlements illegal and a violation of international law. These statements come amid a surge in violence and incidents involving settlers and Israeli occupation.