11 European nations and Canada announce trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank

The UK and France were among 12 countries to announce new trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, amid what they called a "rapidly deteriorating" situation marked by increasing settler attacks on Palestinians.

Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden joined the UK and France in confirming plans to introduce restrictions on trade with settlements, according to a joint statement from the countries' foreign ministers.

"The Government of Israel’s actions in the West Bank are undermining the possibility of a two-State solution," the statement reads, adding that there has been "unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion."

"Together, we are resolute: the two-state solution must be protected, and we will take action in pursuit of a just and lasting peace," it continued.

It comes after the Israeli government last month opened up tenders for the construction of around 1,200 housing units in the West Bank, drawing widespread condemnation from the international community and human rights groups.

The units, destined for the E1 settlement area, would further isolate East Jerusalem from the rest of the territory.

In their statement on Tuesday, the 12 foreign ministers called the decision to publish tenders "unacceptable."

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "have agreed on the need to take action to prevent further damage," the statement added.