Pakistan, Seven Muslim Nations Welcome UK Curbs on Israeli Settlements
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries have welcomed Britain’s decision to restrict trade linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling on the international community to build on the measures and take further action consistent with international law.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement supporting the British measures, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said.
The statement welcomed the UK government’s decision to ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and introduce restrictions on services connected with those settlements.
The eight countries expressed hope that Britain’s action would encourage other governments to adopt similar measures and hold organisations and individuals involved in settlement activity accountable.
UK Announces Settlement Trade Restrictions
Britain announced the measures amid growing international concern over settlement expansion and settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
The UK was joined by Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden in a joint declaration stating their intention either to introduce national restrictions, support European restrictions on trade in settlement goods, or actively consider such measures according to their domestic procedures.
The British government said Israeli government actions in the West Bank were undermining prospects for a two-state solution, pointing particularly to settlement expansion and the E1 project.
The measures distinguish between Israel itself and settlements in occupied territory.
Pakistan Says Move Sends Clear Message
Pakistan’s Foreign Office separately welcomed Britain’s action, describing continued settlement expansion as a violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Islamabad said the measures could send a clear message rejecting settlement activity in occupied Palestinian territory and welcomed indications from other countries that they were considering similar action.
Pakistan reiterated its longstanding position in support of Palestinian self-determination and an independent, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem — referred to by Pakistan as Al-Quds Al-Sharif — as its capital.
Muslim Nations Call for Wider International Action
The eight foreign ministers encouraged the wider international community to build on the latest measures and adopt concrete steps against activities supporting or sustaining Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
Their joint statement linked the measures to international law, UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 advisory opinion.
The ministers also reiterated their call for Israel to reverse measures associated with settlement activity and actions aimed at altering the geographic or demographic character of occupied Palestinian territory.
Two-State Solution Remains Central
The joint statement said a two-state solution remained the only viable route toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
The ministers called for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, contiguous and viable Palestinian state based on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
They also described Gaza as an integral part of occupied Palestinian territory and called for measures aimed at security, humanitarian relief, reconstruction and longer-term peace.
Britain, France and Canada Take Coordinated Action
The UK measures form part of a broader diplomatic initiative involving Western governments.
Britain, France and Canada announced action against trade involving Israeli settlements, while several other European governments backed or considered similar restrictions.
Although goods produced in settlements account for only a small share of Israel’s overall exports, the measures carry significant diplomatic weight because they represent coordinated action by countries traditionally considered close Western partners of Israel.
The restrictions could also affect companies providing services that facilitate settlement construction and expansion.
Israel Rejects Measures
Israel has strongly opposed the restrictions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Britain of interfering in Israel’s internal affairs and electoral process. Israel maintains that the West Bank is disputed territory and rejects the international position that its settlements there are illegal.
Israel also announced retaliatory diplomatic measures against Britain, including ordering the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem within 30 days and restricting entry for a number of British political figures.
The British government has defended its decision, saying practical measures are needed to preserve the prospects of a two-state solution.
UK Prime Minister Defends Decision
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the policy in parliament, arguing that Britain must act against what his government considers injustice in the occupied West Bank rather than limit itself to diplomatic statements.
His government says the trade restrictions are intended to support international law and prevent further damage to prospects for a Palestinian state.
The measures have also triggered debate inside Israel. Some prominent former Israeli officials, academics and security figures have welcomed international pressure on settlement activity, while the Israeli government and settlement representatives have condemned the restrictions.
International Legal Status of Settlements
Most of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law.
The International Court of Justice said in a July 2024 advisory opinion that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory was unlawful and addressed states’ obligations not to assist in maintaining that situation.
Israel disputes key aspects of that legal interpretation and maintains historical and security claims concerning the territory.
The eight Muslim-majority countries specifically cited international law, UN resolutions and the ICJ advisory opinion in supporting further international action.
Diplomatic Pressure on Israel Grows
The latest development adds to increasing diplomatic pressure over Israeli settlement expansion.
While the immediate economic impact of settlement-related trade restrictions may be relatively limited, coordinated action by Britain, France, Canada and other countries could have broader political significance.
For Pakistan, the move also aligns with Islamabad’s longstanding diplomatic position on Palestine.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan would continue supporting Palestinian self-determination and efforts aimed at establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.
The joint statement’s central message is that the eight countries regard Britain’s restrictions as a starting point rather than an endpoint, and want other governments to adopt concrete measures against activities sustaining Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
