UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband criticizes Israeli actions, calls for stronger international law alignment

• Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband acknowledged the unlawfulness of Israeli settlements.
• Miliband cited "settler terrorism" and "ethnic cleansing" in the occupied West Bank.
• Miliband stated that aid to Gaza has been "routinely blocked".
• The UK government supports the ICJ's determination on whether genocide has been committed.
• The UK announced a ban on settlement products and advertising for settlements.
• The UK will take action against companies and individuals facilitating settlement expansion.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has signaled a potential shift in UK policy regarding Israel, acknowledging the unlawfulness of settlements and referencing international legal bodies. Speaking with Prime Minister Andy Burnham present, Miliband described the occupation of the West Bank as unlawful, citing "settler terrorism" and "ethnic cleansing" which has led to the displacement of 65 Palestinian communities since 2023. He also noted that aid to Gaza has been "routinely blocked" and hospitals destroyed, referencing a UN inquiry that found Israel is committing acts of genocide. The UK government stated its support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its determination on whether genocide has occurred.

Miliband criticized Israel's operations since a recent ceasefire, stating that the occupation of Gaza has increased and resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Palestinians. This marks a departure from the previous government's stance, with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer having previously stated Israel had the right to cut off Gaza's power and water, and former Foreign Secretary David Lammy having reportedly ridiculed genocide assertions.

In response to these concerns, the UK announced a ban on settlement products and advertising for settlements. The government also vowed to take action against specific companies and individuals involved in financing or facilitating settlement expansion, threatening them with UK sanctions. Furthermore, the government plans to extend its global human rights regime to deter settlement expansion.

However, the article argues these measures fall short of legal obligations, as Israeli settlements are described as a state project rather than a private enterprise. The author contends that sanctioning contractors while exempting the commissioning government is insufficient. A report by over 80 organizations, including the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, detailed the Israeli state's role in encouraging companies to operate in occupied territories through incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure. Miliband's focus on the UK's relationship with the "occupied territories" rather than the occupying state is also noted as a limitation.