Palestinian Envoy Sees UK Sanctions on Settlements as Turning Point

The Palestinian Ambassador to London, Houssam Zomlot, has described the recent British decision to impose sanctions on the settlement enterprise as a "turning point" in the Western stance. He explained that Britain has moved from issuing condemnatory statements to taking practical measures based on a legal classification of the occupation and settlements for the first time, emphasizing the need to build upon and expand this step.

Zomlot stated that Britain's historical position has been clear regarding the illegality of the occupation and settlements, but for years it remained confined to statements and declarations. The current move signifies a transition to implementing legal obligations through sanctions. He elaborated that the new British discourse no longer targets individual settlers but rather labels the entire colonial system as illegal, alongside references to ethnic cleansing, organized terrorism, and crimes committed in Gaza. The British measures include trade bans with settlements, as well as restrictions on financial services, banking, insurance, business, and advertising. Zomlot considers these steps a starting point that can be built upon, even if some aspects require time for full implementation.

He asserted that British public opinion was a primary factor in this recent shift, noting growing popular support for the Palestinian cause and widespread criticism of Israeli practices, particularly in Gaza. Zomlot believes the British public is more aware of Britain's historical, legal, and moral responsibility towards the Palestinian people. He attributed this change in public opinion partly to the events in Gaza and the Palestinians' success in conveying their reality through social media, influencing traditional media narratives. This public pressure, he added, has impacted political parties and the government, making it difficult for them to ignore the evolving sentiment within British society.

Zomlot stressed that the British decision is not tied to the current Israeli government or specific individuals but is based on a legal definition of the settlement system. Therefore, a change in government in Israel should not be a reason to suspend these measures. He called for expanding sanctions to include institutions and organizations complicit with the settlement enterprise, viewing external support as a vital lifeline for its continuation. He emphasized the need for continued Palestinian diplomatic and legal action, building on the British shift, and engaging with peoples and parliaments in various countries, suggesting London could regain a pivotal role in establishing an international system to counter Israel.

Zomlot likened the required path to the international pressure against the apartheid regime in South Africa, stressing that ending the Israeli presence requires continuous international accumulation of pressure. He concluded by saying, "The first drop of rain signals the coming shower."