Britain has withdrawn its diplomats from its consulate in East Jerusalem. This action was taken after reaching an agreement with Israel regarding the future of this diplomatic mission.
Changes at the Consulate
According to Israeli officials, the consulate will no longer continue its previous activities. However, Britain has emphasized that the consulate building under the title "British Mission, Jerusalem" will remain open.
Read more: Britain and Israel Reach an Agreement on the East Jerusalem Consulate
This decision comes after a diplomatic disagreement over Britain's actions regarding Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that 20 British diplomats, including the consul general, will complete their missions and leave Israel.
Limited Continued Activities
According to Sa'ar, seven diplomats from this consulate will be allowed to continue working, but their activities will be "very limited." Additionally, the symbol and diplomatic sign of the consulate were removed from the building on Thursday.
Edward Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, stated that London has temporarily evacuated some staff and their families to ensure their safety. He emphasized that this mission will remain independent and active, continuing to provide "vital services" and cooperate with the Palestinians.
Miliband also stated that Britain does not accept Israel's legal right to close the consulate, which was established in 1838. Israel issued the order to close the consulate on September 8 in retaliation for Britain's actions against Israeli settlements.
The British consulate traditionally managed relations with the Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, operating separately from the British embassy in Tel Aviv. Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and subsequently annexed it, a move that most countries, including Britain, do not recognize.
Miliband emphasized that Britain will not take retaliatory diplomatic actions while continuing negotiations with Israel and reaffirmed London's support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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