October 22, 2026 For many Palestinians, employment in Israel or Israeli businesses in Judea and Samaria is an important source of income in the Palestinian Authority economy, where opportunities are limited. By Khaled Abu Toameh, Gatestone Institute On September 8, 2026, Canada, Britain, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden announced their intention to introduce national restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, support European-level measures, or consider similar action. The governments said their objective is to protect the “two-state solution” and respond to—presumably meaning prevent—”settlement expansion.” To many Palestinians, of course, all of Israel is one big settlement to be dismantled. Some restrictions are already in force. Ireland’s prohibition on importing designated settlement goods took effect on September 15, followed by a Dutch ban on the import, purchase, and sale of such goods on September 20. Other countries have announced plans or are considering additional restrictions. These are not all components of one uniform import ban. The measures differ from country to country, and some remain proposals. The restrictions, in addition, do not generally prohibit all Israeli products: they target only goods originating in settlements where Jews live. Nevertheless, the direction is clear. As European governments increase economic pressure on Israel, Palestinians working in businesses in the settlements lose their jobs. According to a report by Israel’s Ynet news website, Israeli industry representatives have already reported declining overseas orders and the cancellation of long-term distribution contracts. Industrial zones such as Barkan, Mishor Adumim, and Ariel, where Israeli-owned factories employ Palestinians from surrounding communities, are particularly vulnerable. Avraham Novogrotcki, president of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, described the boycott of factories in the Israeli settlements as a measure that primarily harms Palestinian workers and their families.