The UK has announced sanctions targeting illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing concerns over the treatment of Palestinians by settlers. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the sanctions represent the "beginning of a new approach" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need to address injustice and suffering. In response, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Miliband of spreading falsehoods and announced countermeasures, including the closure of the UK's consulate in East Jerusalem.
The sanctions will prohibit the import of goods from settlements and will also affect companies and individuals involved in settlement expansion. The UK is coordinating this action with France and Canada, which released a joint statement indicating a commitment to the two-state solution.
Miliband stated that the UK government views the Israeli occupation of the West Bank as unlawful, referencing a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. He highlighted that the UK will implement a comprehensive sanctions regime over the next six to nine months, which will include a ban on advertising illegal settlements in the UK.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham clarified that the sanctions are aimed at settlements and not at the Israeli people, supporting the two-state solution. In contrast, Saar criticized the UK government, labeling it as hostile towards Israel and announcing that certain UK MPs would be banned from entering Israel due to their perceived anti-Israel activities.
The UK also issued a joint statement with 11 other countries, expressing commitment to the two-state solution and indicating plans to introduce national measures against trade with West Bank settlements. The announcement follows Israel's plans to construct approximately 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area, which has drawn international condemnation.
Miliband also addressed the recent conflict in Gaza, stating that while Israel has the right to defend itself, this does not justify actions that violate international humanitarian law. He mentioned that reports indicate potential war crimes committed during the conflict. The UK Chief Rabbi criticized the sanctions as politically motivated, while the Palestinian presidency welcomed the decision as a step towards addressing violations against Palestinians.
The sanctions come nearly a year after the UK recognized a state of Palestine, with the government asserting a moral responsibility to support a peaceful resolution for both Israelis and Palestinians. Israel has built around 160 settlements in the West Bank since the 1967 Middle East war, housing approximately 700,000 Jews, while around 3.3 million Palestinians live in the area. The ongoing conflict has seen an increase in violence and attacks on Palestinians by settlers since the onset of the Gaza war.