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🇬🇧 🇮🇱 The UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, intends to announce the introduction of "strict" sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, despite warnings that this could lead to a "de facto boycott" of the entire state of Israel. This was reported by The Times. The Prime Minister intends to toughen the government's approach in response to Israel's plans to announce tenders for the construction of 1200 homes in the settlements. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that Israel's plans would effectively divide the West Bank in half and destroy any hope of a two-state solution. According to a senior government source, Burnham intends to take a much tougher stance than his predecessor, Starmer. It is expected that he will approve the introduction of a trade embargo against the settlements and personal sanctions against those involved. However, officials warn that distinguishing between goods from the settlements and goods from Israel itself will be an extremely difficult task. Officials noted that there is a significant risk that "legitimate" Israeli businesses could be caught up in the ban, which could undermine trade with Israel as a whole. They also expressed concern that Palestinian businesses in the occupied territories could be harmed by the sanctions. The issue has divided the Labour Party. More than 140 MPs (approximately a third of the party) have signed a letter calling for a ban on trade with Israeli settlements. Supporters of the ban are preparing to submit a corresponding resolution at the party conference next month. Burnham is expected to make a statement before this date to prevent the Israeli issue from overshadowing his first conference as party leader.