UK PM Burnham expected to ban Israeli settlement goods
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to approve a ban on goods linked to Israeli settlements after Israel issued tenders for more than 1,200 units in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank. The move follows Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's August 19 condemnation of the E1 tender and a pledge to set out comprehensive measures in the coming weeks. Labour lawmaker Richard Burgon and Human Rights Watch welcomed the expected sanctions as a step toward ending Israel's unlawful occupation.
Key Facts
- Israel issued tenders to build more than 1,200 units for the E1 settlement in the occupied West Bank.
- UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband condemned the E1 tender on August 19 and summoned the Israeli charge d'affaires.
- The UK government said it will set out comprehensive measures in the coming weeks, including sanctions targeting those who participate in illegal settlement expansion.
- Labour lawmaker Richard Burgon called sanctions on Israel's illegal settlements a welcome first step toward ending Israel's unlawful occupation.
- Human Rights Watch acting Israel-Palestine researcher Sarah Sanbar said the UK government has long declared E1 a red line and Israel's disregard appears to be motivating the possible actions.
E1 Settlement Expansion
The E1 settlement project would create a continuous Israeli settlement corridor between occupied East Jerusalem and the Ma'ale Adumim settlement, 7 km east of Jerusalem. Settlements and outposts on occupied land are illegal under international law. The UK government has long declared E1 to be a red line, according to Human Rights Watch acting Israel-Palestine researcher Sarah Sanbar.
UK Government Response
On August 19, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband issued a news release condemning the E1 tender as an unacceptable and destructive act. Miliband summoned the Israeli charge d'affaires to express opposition to the settlements. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office declined to comment on speculation about fresh sanctions, stating that the Foreign Secretary has been clear that illegal settlements threaten the viability of a Palestinian state.
Reactions to Expected Ban
Labour lawmaker Richard Burgon told Al Jazeera that sanctions on Israel's illegal settlements would be a very welcome first step in helping to bring an end to Israel's unlawful occupation. Burgon cited the International Court of Justice's clarity that all states have obligations to bring the unlawful situation to an end. Human Rights Watch welcomes any steps the UK takes towards banning trade with illegal settlements, Sanbar said.
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UK PM Burnham expected to ban Israeli settlement goods
