Israel's foreign minister previously ordered the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, setting a 30-day deadline. That deadline expired on Thursday, and a Reuters reporter witnessed staff removing the consulate's plaque and signs. This move was in response to British sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements, further damaging relations between the two countries. The consulate was primarily responsible for Britain's relations with Palestinians in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and provided consular services.