BDS Co-founder Calls UK Settlement Trade Ban 'Performative' Amid Gaza Conflict

What happened

Middle East Eye reports that Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, has criticised the UK’s recently introduced restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements as 'performative' and ineffective. He accused the UK of continuing to be complicit in what he describes as Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Barghouti argues that the UK’s actions fall short of its obligations under the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion of July 2024, which calls for an end to all relations that enable Israel’s occupation and apartheid regimes in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. He specifically calls out the UK's continued military, intelligence, and trade relationships as sustaining this situation.

The BDS co-founder also criticised the UK’s stance on allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, stating that such measures do not sufficiently address the broader issue of complicity. He points to Israel’s integration of the occupation economy into its own as a reason why states should not differentiate between Israel proper and its settlements when considering trade restrictions.

Known from the source

• Omar Barghouti is the co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
• The UK introduced restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements.
• Barghouti made a public statement criticizing the UK settlement trade ban as 'performative' and ineffective.
• Barghouti cites the ICJ Advisory Opinion of July 2024 calling for an end to state relations that enable Israel’s occupation and apartheid regimes.
• Israel’s economy in the occupied territories is described as completely integrated with its own.

What remains unclear

These comments come amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where issues around ceasefire talks, aid access, and civilian impact remain critical. Barghouti’s statement underscores the broader Palestinian call for international actors to escalate pressure on Israel beyond limited economic measures, amid widespread reports of displacement and military strikes.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. The UK government’s actual scope and enforcement of the settlement trade ban and related policies. Verification of UK’s continued military, intelligence, and other relations with Israel in the context of ICJ obligations. The precise current humanitarian situation in Gaza as referenced, including any recent developments related to aid access and ceasefire talks.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye Gaza. Open the source.