LONDON, Oct 8 (Reuters) – British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced on Thursday that the UK Consulate General building in East Jerusalem, which Israel has ordered to close, will continue functioning as an independent and fully operational UK mission serving the Palestinian people.
The Israeli government ordered the British consulate in East Jerusalem to shut down on Thursday following London’s announcement of planned sanctions against settlements in the West Bank.
Miliband stated that after withdrawing several staff members and their families in recent weeks, the UK will now focus on rebuilding its presence at the mission.
The recent deterioration in bilateral relations has led to speculation in Israel that Britain might respond to the closure by expelling Israeli diplomats in London.
“We will work over the coming months to restore our presence, and we will not take reciprocal action while these discussions remain ongoing and credible,” Miliband said.
Britain’s Minister for the Middle East, Stephen Doughty, told Sky News that the UK is engaged in continued talks with the Israeli government and deeply regrets Israel’s actions regarding the consulate.
“Our building remains open and our staff continue their important work,” Doughty told Sky News. “We maintain a presence in Jerusalem and it is crucial that this work is able to continue.”
(Reporting by Kate Holton and Sam Tobin, Editing by Paul Sandle)
