Palestinian Leader Sees UK Sanctions on Settlements as Start of 'Tsunami' Against Israel
Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, stated that recent British sanctions targeting Israeli settlements mark a significant international shift concerning Israel. He believes Israel's decision to close the British consulate in Jerusalem reflects its anger over these sanctions and warns of potential wider repercussions.
Barghouti described the sanctions, involving around 12 countries, as the beginning of long-standing Palestinian demands for boycotts and divestment. However, he argued that sanctions solely on settlements are insufficient and can be circumvented. He emphasized that true impact would come from sanctions extended to the Israeli government, which funds and supports settlement expansion. He also noted a partial arms embargo against Israel as a crucial development, especially with countries like Britain and Canada, traditionally supportive of Israel, participating.
He dismissed arguments that the sanctions are insignificant due to the limited export volume of settlements, pointing to Israel's closure of the British consulate as proof of the measures' impact beyond economics. Barghouti warned that closing the consulate, which serves Palestinians in East Jerusalem, could lead to similar actions against other European consulates and harms Palestinians amid ongoing settler violence.
Barghouti urged a move from limited sanctions to broader measures, including halting military and economic cooperation with Israel and suspending the Euro-Israeli economic partnership. He cited British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's remarks on evidence of war crimes in Gaza and his description of settler attacks as terrorism, interpreting this language as a sign of changing international discourse on Israel.
He predicted a potential wave of sanctions and boycotts in the coming weeks, fueled by grassroots and parliamentary movements in Britain and Europe. Barghouti concluded that Israel is paying the price for its policies, and continued right-wing and racist approaches, along with rejecting a solution guaranteeing Palestinian rights, will escalate the cost for Israeli society.
