Britain will no longer stand by while innocent children are killed in Gaza, a senior minister said, announcing sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements. The move aims to increase pressure on the Israeli government and preserve the hope for peace in the Middle East. Eleven other countries are also considering similar measures.
The UK's decision to impose sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements marks a significant shift in its foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially escalating diplomatic tensions and impacting trade relations in the region. The move also signals a broader international effort to pressure Israel over its settlement policies.
Senior British minister Louise Haigh declared on Tuesday that the UK will "no longer stand by" while "innocent children are killed in Gaza." Speaking at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton, Haigh, who serves as the first secretary of state, stated that Britain had been "too slow in our response" to the conflict.
Haigh emphasized that the sanctions, previously announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, are intended to increase pressure on the Israeli government and are purposefully targeting illegal settlements, not the Israeli people. "We will stand against injustice. We will stand up for peace. We will build a coalition of international partners to speak with one voice and remind the world who we are," she said.
Miliband had previously stated in parliament that the British public would not want to support the occupation by accepting products from settlements. He announced a new comprehensive sanctions regime, including an import ban on goods from illegal settlements and actions against companies and individuals facilitating settlement expansion. Eleven other countries, including Canada, France, and Sweden, have indicated their intention to introduce or consider similar trade restrictions.
In response to the UK's sanctions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that Israel would close the British consulate in East Jerusalem and ban 11 British Members of Parliament.