LONDON (The COW News Digital ) The United Kingdom has declared Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank illegal and announced sanctions against entities linked to settlement construction, in a move that signals stronger British support for Palestinian rights.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband made the remarks while addressing the House of Commons, where he criticized Israel’s policies in the occupied West Bank and raised serious concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Miliband said Israeli settlements in the West Bank were illegal under international law and accused Israel of committing grave violations during its military campaign in Gaza.
He said Britain had already suspended 30 arms licences involving the supply of weapons to Israel. According to the figures cited in his remarks, around 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including approximately 20,000 children.
The foreign secretary also alleged that hospitals had been targeted and that around 60 percent of homes in Gaza had been destroyed. He said Britain believed international law had been violated and that civilians had been deliberately targeted during the conflict.
Miliband further stated that there was evidence of war crimes being committed in Gaza. He reaffirmed Britain’s support for decisions issued by the International Court of Justice concerning the conflict and said London would continue to raise the situation at the United Nations.
The British government also pledged stronger humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza. Miliband said Palestinian civilians would receive continued assistance and indicated that students from Gaza would be welcomed in Britain.
He also announced that companies assisting settlement construction in the occupied West Bank could face sanctions. The move is aimed at increasing pressure on businesses involved in activities that Britain considers inconsistent with international law.
Miliband said those responsible for alleged abuses in Gaza should be held accountable, stressing that perpetrators of serious violations must face consequences.
The British foreign secretary also reiterated the government’s support for a two-state solution, saying Britain would continue to back efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.
He called on Israel to immediately halt the construction and expansion of what Britain considers illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The statements represent a firm position from London on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and come amid continued international scrutiny of Israel’s military operations and settlement policies.
Britain’s decision to consider sanctions against companies involved in West Bank settlement activity could further increase diplomatic pressure on Israel, while its renewed emphasis on humanitarian assistance reflects growing concern over conditions facing Palestinian civilians.
The British government is expected to continue working through international institutions, including the United Nations, while supporting diplomatic efforts toward a two-state settlement.
