UK Mission In Jerusalem Continues Services After Israel Closes Consulate
· World · ABC News (AU), BBC News, Bloomberg
The British government announced that its diplomatic outpost in Jerusalem will continue operating as the UK Mission after Israel ordered the original consulate closed. Israel issued a 30-day deadline for the closure in September as retaliation for London's sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the UK does not recognise Israel's legal right to shut the facility and that vital services for Palestinians will be maintained. While workers removed the consulate signage on Thursday, British flags continued to fly over the building under an arrangement allowing some diplomats to stay. The consulate has operated since 1839, predating the establishment of the state of Israel.
Why it matters
The downgrade in diplomatic status deepens tensions between Britain and Israel over West Bank settlements and the status of Jerusalem.
Read the original report — ABC News (AU)
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