Eight nations welcome UK ban on imports from Israeli settlements

Ankara (ANTARA) - Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday (9/9) welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight nations also welcomed the UK’s decision to impose restrictions on services related to these settlements.

They expressed hope that this decision could help mobilise the international community to take similar actions in accordance with international law, while calling for accountability for organisations and individuals involved in illegal settlement activities.

The ministers reaffirmed their call for Israel to revoke all measures taken regarding settlement activities and other steps aimed at altering the geographical and demographic characteristics of the occupied Palestinian territories.

The ministers emphasised that the only viable path to achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace is the implementation of a two-state solution, the statement noted.

On Tuesday (8/9), Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced a series of retaliatory measures against the UK, including the closure of the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem and the expulsion of British personnel from the US-led Gaza coordination centre, in response to London’s decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.