UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia Welcome UK Action on Israeli Settlements

Abu Dhabi: The foreign ministers of the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and introduce restrictions on services linked to those settlements. 

In a joint statement issued on September 9, the ministers expressed hope that the UK move would encourage more countries to take similar measures in line with international law and strengthen accountability for organisations and individuals involved in settlement activity. 

Ministers Welcome Wider International Action

The eight countries also welcomed a separate joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Those countries said they intend to introduce national measures, support European restrictions on trade with settlements considered illegal under international law, or actively consider such steps through their respective domestic procedures. 

The UK, France and Canada have specifically announced plans to move forward with restrictions on settlement goods, while calling for the protection of prospects for a two-state solution. 

Call for Similar Measures Worldwide

The UAE and the seven other countries urged the wider international community to build on these developments and adopt concrete measures against activities that support or sustain Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 

The ministers said the measures are consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 2334, as well as the International Court of Justice advisory opinion issued on July 19, 2024. 

They reiterated their call for Israel to reverse measures connected with settlement activity and actions that alter the geographic or demographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

UK Announces Import Ban and Sanctions Measures

The UK government announced that it would introduce an import ban on goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also said the UK would establish a broader sanctions regime targeting certain companies and individuals involved in areas such as construction, infrastructure, financing and real estate linked to settlement expansion. 

The decision has generated significant diplomatic reaction. Israel has strongly criticised the measures and announced retaliatory diplomatic steps, including moves affecting the British consulate in East Jerusalem. 

Gaza and Two-State Solution Remain Central

In their joint statement, the eight foreign ministers stressed that Gaza is an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and called for measures aimed at restoring security, addressing humanitarian needs and supporting reconstruction and long-term stability. 

They reaffirmed that, in their view, the only viable path toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace is the implementation of a two-state solution.

The ministers called for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, contiguous and viable Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. 

The latest joint statement highlights growing international diplomatic pressure over settlement expansion and renewed efforts by several countries to use trade restrictions and other measures to support a negotiated two-state solution.