Key Takeaways
- The UK has declared Israeli settlers terrorists and the occupation of Palestine unlawful.
- Sanctions include bans on imports, services, and advertising linked to illegal settlements.
- Israel rejects UK’s position and announces retaliatory measures.
The United Kingdom has declared Israeli settlers as terrorists, marking a significant shift in its stance towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a series of sanctions targeting trade and services linked to Israeli settlements, in what is being seen as the UK’s strongest condemnation yet.
According to The Telegraph, the UK’s measures include a ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, sanctions on services such as construction and financing linked to settlements, and a ban on UK advertising for properties in illegal settlements. Personal sanctions against individuals accused of supporting settler violence have also been imposed.
Miliband further stated that the UK now considers Israel’s occupation of the West Bank unlawful in its entirety, describing the actions of settlers as ‘ethnic cleansing’ and accusing the Israeli government of failing to stop the violence. He also noted that some Israeli officials had supported the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The UK expects legislation covering the trade ban and sanctions to be introduced within nine months. In response, Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, accused Miliband of spreading ‘outrageous lies’ and said Britain was acting against Israel. Saar announced retaliatory measures, including plans to close the UK consulate in Jerusalem and exclude Britain from the US-led Gaza coordination mission.
This move by the UK is part of a broader coalition of 12 countries, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, which are also announcing sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements. The UK’s stance is expected to have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and international relations in the region.
The UK’s decision to label Israeli settlers as terrorists and declare the occupation of Palestine unlawful is seen as a major shift in its approach to the issue. It is likely to affect trade relations and diplomatic ties between the UK and Israel, as well as the broader international community.
The UK’s move is part of a growing trend of countries taking a stronger stance against the Israeli occupation, with the aim of pressuring Israel to adhere to international law and human rights standards. However, the response from Israel and its allies suggests that this could lead to further tensions in the region.
