Workers have removed signs and plaques from Britain’s East Jerusalem consulate as an Israeli deadline to shut the mission expired on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Reuters journalists saw workers take down a plaque reading “British Consulate General” and a sign for the consular section overnight. The British flag was still flying, and the consulate had no immediate comment.
Why the East Jerusalem Consulate Is Under Pressure
Israel ordered Britain last month to close the consulate within 30 days and withdraw its diplomats from the city, after Britain imposed sanctions on West Bank settlements, including a trade ban on goods made there. The United Nations and most countries consider the settlements illegal under international law, while Israel disputes this.
The order affects about 30 British diplomats and their family members. The consulate, in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, handles relations with Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. It does not affect the British embassy in Tel Aviv.
Reuters has also reported that Britain is considering expelling Israeli diplomats from London if the consulate closes, a step that would be highly unusual between allies. Britain’s Foreign Office declined to say whether the consulate was still operating.
Source: ARY News
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