The British government’s decision to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories should not be controversial.
It is an acceptance of facts, including the illegality of the Israeli occupation, as ruled by the International Court of Justice. Britain must act in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, which require countries to “distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967”.
Yet several elements make this move extremely significant, including Britain’s historic denial of the Palestinian right to self-determination, and its coordination with other western governments that have announced parallel steps against the Israeli occupation.
This is unprecedented in the context of Palestine.
While critics have warned the settlement ban could strengthen Israeli hardliners before an election, or negatively affect British Jews, both assertions are typical talking points used to discourage accountability measures against Israel.
