Amnesty International welcomes UK ban on trade with Israeli occupation settlements

LONDON, Sept. 09 (YPA) – Amnesty International has welcomed the British government’s decision to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, calling it an important step in confronting settlement and occupation policies.

The organization’s executive director, Erika Guevara-Rosas, said the decision was long overdue and called on London to take further measures, including halting arms deals with Israel and ending forms of support that, according to the organization, contribute to the continuation of violations against Palestinians.

The British government explained that the ban includes the import of goods and products from the settlements, noting that settlement expansion, especially in the E1 area east of occupied Jerusalem, undermines the chances of a two-state solution.

The decision comes amid escalating criticism from London of the settlement expansion policy, with the government confirming the possibility of taking further measures if Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank.