MP, Matt Western, who has recently returned from a visit to Israel and Palestine, said he was horrified by the expansions of illegal settlements and the prospect of further plans which would "absolutely and permanently destroy any prospect of a two-state solution" were "deeply alarming".

The Israeli Land Authority published on 30th June, new dates for the tenders for the construction of the proposed E1 Settlement Zone in the West Bank with the bidding period ending in October.

The E1 settlement zone is a large area of land which the MP said "would split the West Bank from North to South" and would "sever connections between Palestinian communities and East Jerusalem".

Matt Western also highlighted that the settlement would mean the forced transfer of 7,000 Palestinians. Under the Rome Statute, this type of displacement is considered a war crime under international law.

In an impassioned speech in the House of Commons, Matt Western called on the Government to sanction businesses, including financial and insurance institutions, or individuals, that participate in or facilitate the construction of the E1 zone, to be sanctioned and not allowed to trade and do business with the UK.

He argued that those measures must be taken in order to make very clear to the Israeli Government that the UK will not accept them "systematically and deliberately doing all it can to make a two-state solution impossible".

The MP continued, referencing a letter he has sent, alongside 139 colleagues, urging the Government to end all trading with illegal Israeli settlements. Matt Western repeated those calls in Parliament on Wednesday.

The Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, responded stating that the Government has been clear on the implications and consequences if the E-1 settlement continues. He added that the UK will take further measures if the continued action to increase violent settlements continues in the West Bank.

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The Minister also confirmed that the UK Government is in discussions over a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

Commenting on the debate and his calls, Matt Western said: "The actions the Israeli Government are attempting to take with the E-1 expansion are appalling and deeply dangerous for the future of a two-state solution.

"A two-state solution and a Palestinian state are in severe jeopardy if Israel continues with these plans and the international community, including the UK, must absolutely stand firm against these plans."