Arab Nations, Including Israel's Ally Saudi Arabia, Praise UK Ban on Settlement Goods

Eight Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, have jointly welcomed the United Kingdom's recent decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements. In a joint statement, the countries' ministers expressed their "congratulations on the British government's decision to ban imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory and to impose restrictions on services related to these settlements." They urged other nations to adopt similar measures in accordance with international law.

The statement also called for accountability for individuals and organizations involved in settlement activities, emphasizing that these actions are illegal under international law. The participating countries reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace, advocating for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders and UN resolutions.

This coordinated stance follows previous joint declarations by these nations condemning Israeli settlement expansion and actions in the West Bank, including the E1 plan east of Jerusalem. The UK's ban, announced as part of a coordinated effort with France and Canada, aims to prevent British consumers from inadvertently supporting the occupation through settlement products. British officials warned that those financing or facilitating settlement construction would face sanctions.

Several other European countries have also announced or are considering similar restrictions on goods originating from Israeli settlements.