The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas welcomed as "a step in the right direction" the EU decision to expand the boycott of poultry and dairy products and other goods from the Israeli settlements as of early September.
"This step should be followed by tougher measures against the Israeli occupation authorities as a punishment for their crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip," said Hamas Spokesman Fawzi Barhoum in a press release here.
Israeli and European sources affirmed that the boycott will expand to include all products and services produced in the Israeli settlements inside the occupied Palestinians territories and the Syrian Golan Heights.
Pursuant to a decision adopted by the European Commission in February, the EU will no longer approve the certificates of Israeli veterinary watchdogs issued for the products and goods from Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.