I remain deeply troubled by the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The Government, as do I, consider Israeli settlements in Palestine, and decisions to further them, to be a flagrant violation of international law. I do not support plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from or reduce Palestinian territory.
I strongly believe we must respect Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination and return illegally occupied land to Palestinians.
Settler violence, restrictions on movement and pressures on civic space are contributing to an increasingly unstable environment. I know we are witnessing an all-time high of Israeli settlement expansion. Settler violence is unacceptable and has led to the death of Palestinians and the displacement of whole towns and villages. This constitutes an abuse of human rights. I know Ministers continue to make clear to their Israeli counterparts that they must clamp down on this and end settler expansion.
I supported the UK’s decision to sanction two Israeli Ministers for their extremist rhetoric and incitement to violence against Palestinians. The UK has also sanctioned individuals, outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. I welcome the UK Government’s new sanctions against networks supporting settler violence and aggression, targeting some of the most notorious individuals and settler entities. I agree, however, that it is inappropriate to speculate about future sanctions, including broader bans on trading with settlements, in order to avoid reducing their impact.
Settler groups should not be profiting from the land they have seized from Palestinians. I welcomed the Prime Minister’s warning to businesses not to bid for construction tenders for settlement developments. I further support the UK’s updated business risk guidance to make it clear that UK citizens and businesses should not conduct any economic or financial activities in illegal Israeli settlements. Additionally, I welcomed the Government’s decision to suspend negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Israeli Government in May 2025.
I support the independence of the International Court of Justice. As you know, the UK now recognises Palestine. In this context of significant policy change, I know Ministers are ensuring they respond to the ICJ’s far-reaching advisory opinion with the seriousness and rigour it deserves.
Any attempt to alter the geographic or demographic make-up of Palestine is wholly unacceptable and inconsistent with international law. I strongly support the Government’s calls for Israel to reverse recent decisions to expand control. A two-state solution remains the only viable path to long-term peace with a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestine.
