Pakistan and seven other Arab and Muslim countries have welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The UK announced the trade restrictions alongside Canada and France on Tuesday.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the measures and accused the Israeli government of ignoring alleged abuses by settlers in the West Bank. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from several European countries also indicated plans to consider similar action.
Muslim Countries Back International Measures
Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates welcomed the UK decision in a joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The ministers expressed hope that other countries would take similar measures under international law. They also called for accountability for organisations and individuals involved in illegal settlement activities.
The eight countries said the UK’s decision aligns with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2334. They also linked the move to the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 advisory opinion.
Countries Call for Two-State Solution
The ministers urged the international community to adopt concrete measures against activities that support or sustain Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. They also called on Israel to reverse measures linked to settlement expansion and demographic changes.
The joint statement emphasized that Gaza remains an integral part of Palestine. It also called for the full and immediate implementation of US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.
Furthermore, the ministers said a two-state solution remains the only viable path toward lasting peace. They called for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.
