ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan joined leading Arab and Muslim countries on Wednesday in welcoming Britain’s decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, describing the move as an important step towards accountability as international pressure mounts over settlement expansion in the West Bank.
The development marks a significant shift from diplomatic condemnation towards economic action, with the United Kingdom announcing that it will introduce a comprehensive sanctions regime covering imports of settlement goods and target individuals and companies involved in facilitating settlement expansion. France and Canada are also moving to ban imports from settlements, while several European countries have announced or are considering similar measures.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates welcomed the measures and called on the wider international community to take concrete action against activities that sustain illegal settlements.
The countries expressed hope that other states would follow suit in accordance with international law and take steps to hold organisations and individuals involved in illegal settlement activity accountable.
Pakistan separately reiterated its position that continued settlement expansion in occupied Palestinian territory violates international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Islamabad said such activities undermine the prospects of a viable two-state solution and expressed hope that the latest international measures would send an unequivocal message against illegal actions in occupied Palestinian territory.
Britain moves from condemnation to economic action
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the measures in the House of Commons on Tuesday, saying the UK would introduce an import ban on goods originating from illegal settlements.
Britain’s proposed sanctions regime will go further by targeting certain companies and individuals providing construction, infrastructure, financing or real-estate services that facilitate settlement expansion. The UK also plans to prohibit advertising of illegal settlements in Britain.
Miliband said the sanctions were aimed at illegal settlements and their expansion rather than trade with Israel within the Green Line.
The British government also formally stated that it considers Israel’s occupation unlawful and said its economic relationship with the occupied territories should reflect that position.
The announcement comes amid growing international concern about settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank. Britain and its partners have warned that the E1 settlement project could further fragment Palestinian territory and undermine the territorial viability of a future Palestinian state.
Wider international front emerges
Britain is not acting alone. In a joint declaration issued on Sept. 8, the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK said Israeli government actions in the West Bank were undermining the possibility of a two-state solution.
The countries confirmed their intention either to introduce national restrictions, support European restrictions on settlement trade or actively consider such measures under their respective legal procedures. GOV.UK
The statement also called on Israel to halt settlement expansion and ensure accountability for settler violence.
The emerging international response gives added significance to Pakistan’s position because Islamabad is now joining Arab and Muslim governments in supporting measures being pursued by a broader group of Western countries.
Pakistan reiterates support for Palestine
Pakistan said it would continue to stand with the Palestinian people and support their right to self-determination.
The joint Arab-Muslim statement reiterated support for an independent, sovereign, contiguous and viable Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law.
The ministers also stressed that Gaza forms an integral part of Palestine and reiterated that a two-state solution remains the viable path towards a comprehensive and lasting settlement.
