Key facts
- Over 100 UK lawmakers have urged the cancellation of a London real estate event.
- The event is accused of facilitating the sale of land in illegal Israeli settlements.
- Lawmakers warned that allowing the event would violate international law and UK guidance.
- A legal notice has been sent to the Edgware United Synagogue, the venue for the event.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan has discussed the event with the Metropolitan Police.
- Participating companies have documented links to illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Over 100 UK lawmakers have urged the cancellation of an upcoming real estate event in London, citing concerns that it advertises and facilitates the sale of land in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. In a letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, 101 parliamentarians and members of the House of Lords warned that proceeding with the event would be inconsistent with UK government guidance and obligations under international law.
A legal notice has been sent to the Edgware United Synagogue, the venue for the Great Israeli Real Estate Event, by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP). The ICJP's letter warns that hosting the event would facilitate its operation and confer legitimacy upon it, despite the synagogue's potential lack of involvement in its organisation.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has stated he opposes the event and has discussed potential allegations of criminality with the Metropolitan Police. Several companies participating in the event have documented links to illegal Israeli settlements, including Harey Zahav, The Meshulam Levinstein Group, Tivuch Shelly, and Africa Israel Residences.
A government spokesperson reiterated that expansion in the West Bank is wrong and that updated guidance for UK businesses on avoiding ventures supporting illegal settlements will be introduced.