A group of former British diplomats has called on the United Kingdom and its allies to take stronger action against Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, warning that current policies risk enabling annexation and undermining international law.

In a letter published in the Financial Times on Friday, more than 80 former diplomats, including 60 ambassadors, high commissioners and senior officials, said Israel’s expansionist activity and policies in the occupied Palestinian territories amounted to “accelerating annexation”.

“America is indeed falling out of love with Israel. So is Europe. While the world watches Iran and Lebanon, Israel extends control over the West Bank and Gaza.