Jakarta: Eight major Muslim-majority nations have welcomed the United Kingdom's move to restrict trade linked to illegal Israeli settlements, hoping it will spur similar action internationally against settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
According to Nam News Network, the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates expressed support in a joint statement issued by Indonesia's Foreign Ministry. They expressed hope that the UK decision would galvanize the international community to take similar actions in line with international law and hold accountable those involved in illegal settlement activities.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband informed Parliament that Britain plans to ban imports of goods from illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The UK will also take action against companies and individuals facilitating settlement expansion. Legislation for these measures is expected within six to nine months.
The ministers also welcomed a joint statement by Canada, the UK, and ten other European countries, expressing their intention to introduce national restrictions and/or support European restrictions on trade with illegal settlements, or to actively consider such measures.
They encouraged the international community to adopt concrete measures to end activities that support or sustain illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The European countries involved include Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.
The ministers stated that these actions align with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion of July 19, 2024. They reiterated their call for Israel to rescind measures linked to settlement activities and those aimed at altering the geographic and demographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Additionally, they emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and called for the full implementation of the United States President Donald Trump's Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. This plan addresses the humanitarian situation, facilitates reconstruction and recovery, and lays the groundwork for lasting peace.
The ministers reaffirmed that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, advocating for an independent, sovereign, contiguous, and viable Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.