UK set to ban trade supporting Israeli settlements, says rights director

What happened

Middle East Eye Gaza reports that Tayab Ali, Director of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, said the UK’s upcoming sanctions will ban trade and investment activities that support or maintain illegal Israeli settlements. This ban is expected to be announced by UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband.

According to sources cited by MEE, the sanctions aim to bring the UK into compliance with a July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory unlawful and called on states to oppose it.

The measures reportedly include prohibiting British citizens, companies, and investors from engaging in any business that facilitates or sustains the settlements. Ali described this step as having a 'profound impact' on Israel.

Known from the source

• The UK is preparing sanctions expected to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
• The sanctions aim to align UK policy with the ICJ’s July 2024 advisory opinion declaring Israel’s occupation unlawful.
• Tayab Ali, Director of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, made the statement to Middle East Eye.
• The UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to announce the sanctions.
• The UK sanctions reportedly include prohibiting British involvement in activities supporting or maintaining the settlements.

What remains unclear

This development could affect economic relations and raise tensions around settlement policies, a key flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It may also influence wider international actions concerning the occupation and settlement activities.

What remains unclear: Official UK government announcement and legal text of the sanctions. Verification of Whitehall sources cited by Middle East Eye. Any UK government statements confirming alignment with the ICJ advisory opinion. Exact wording of Tayab Ali’s statements for direct quotes.

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.