Over 60 British MPs call for comprehensive sanctions on Israeli occupation

LONDON, Nov. 29 (YPA) -More than 60 British MPs have sent a letter to Foreign Secretary David Lammy urging him to impose sanctions on the Israeli occupation over “repeated violations of international law”.

The letter, organized by independent MPs Richard Burgon and Imran Hussain (both former Labour MPs), was signed by several prominent figures.

This follows the recent landmark ruling made by the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ ruled that Israel’s continuing occupation of Palestine is unlawful and demanded that it end immediately.

“The court also found that all states, including the UK, have obligations to not recognize as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory and to not render any aid or assistance in maintaining this,” the letter read.

“We write to urge the UK government to impose sanctions and take other concrete steps to give effect to the landmark opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s continuing illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territory,” the lawmakers further stressed in their letter.

They also called on the British government to prohibit trade with illegal settlements, reassess existing and upcoming trade agreements with Israel, and halt all arms transfers to the occupying regime.

“The UK government has repeatedly stated that it is committed to international law. Acting in support of the ICJ advisory opinion would be a critical step in demonstrating that commitment,” the letter added.

For his part, Richard Burgon MP stated that “The world’s top court has found that Israel is acting illegally. But the Israeli Government continues to treat international law with utter contempt.

“We cannot allow Israel to tear up the rule book of international law and simply go unpunished. Words alone from our Government are simply not enough. Our Government has a legal and moral obligation to act. It needs to impose widespread sanctions to get Israel to end its war crimes and stop violating international law.”

With US support, the Israeli occupation has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7, killing and injuring over 146,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children. Over 10,000 individuals remain missing, amidst massive destruction and a deadly famine.

@E.Y.M