A group of eight Muslim and Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, have publicly commended the United Kingdom's decision to impose sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced the sanctions, framing them as a necessary "new approach" in response to Israel's plans for the controversial E1 development. This project, located in the occupied West Bank, would effectively sever the territory from East Jerusalem, dividing it in two. Miliband stated that Britain would not "stand by" while the Israeli government's actions, which he described as creating "illegal" settlements, undermine the prospect of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The sanctions have triggered a diplomatic dispute, with Israel accusing the Labour party of "outrageous lies" and announcing the closure of the British consulate in Jerusalem, along with a ban on a dozen Members of Parliament.
The foreign ministers of the eight endorsing nations praised the UK's ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements and restrictions on related services in the West Bank. In a joint statement, they called for other countries to adopt similar measures in accordance with international law and to hold accountable organizations and individuals involved in Israeli settlements.
These nations also welcomed a separate joint statement on the Two-State Solution issued by Britain, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Canada. This group of European countries and Canada announced their intention to introduce or support trade restrictions with Israeli settlements, citing that Israel's actions are "undermining the possibility of a two-State solution."
The joint statement from the European nations and Canada highlighted a rapidly deteriorating situation due to "unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion," specifically mentioning the "unacceptable decision to publish tenders for the E1 settlement project." They urged Israel to immediately halt settlement expansion, ensure accountability for settler violence, and allow an investigation into allegations against Israeli forces. The statement emphasized the need to protect the two-state solution, stating their determination to "take action in pursuit of a just and lasting peace, based on the principles enshrined in the New York Declaration adopted one year ago." They also expressed firm opposition to actions that amount to the annexation of Palestinian land and the forced displacement of the Palestinian population, while reaffirming their commitment to combating antisemitism and supporting the two-state solution for peaceful coexistence.
The statement from the eight Islamic and Arab nations expressed hope that the UK's actions would encourage the international community to build upon these steps and implement concrete measures to end activities supporting illegal Israeli settlements. They reiterated calls for Israel to reverse all measures affecting settlements and other actions aimed at altering the "geographic and demographic character" of Palestinian territory.
Additionally, they called for the implementation of former President Donald Trump's Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict to foster security, stability, and humanitarian recovery, laying the groundwork for lasting peace. The ministers underscored that an independent, sovereign, contiguous, and viable Palestinian State, based on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only path to a just and comprehensive peace, in line with international law and UN resolutions.
Earlier, Miliband had accused Israel of ignoring the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by settlers. In response to the sanctions, Britain's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, described the trade ban as "gesture politics" that could embolden those who use hatred against Jews. Miliband, identifying himself as a "proud British Jew," rejected these warnings, stating that while more must be done to combat antisemitism, it is possible to do so while upholding British values. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian leader Mark Carney had also issued a joint declaration warning that settlements pose a direct threat to a two-state solution.