Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE welcome the UK decision to restrict imports from Israeli settlements
In international relations, even a single state’s move can become an impulse for collective action. When it comes to compliance with international law, what matters is not the loudness of statements but the consistency of decisions. The joint position of eight countries signals that the status of occupied territories remains at the centre of the global agenda and requires coordinated efforts.
On Wednesday, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates welcomed the UK’s decision to ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight countries also welcomed the UK’s decision to impose restrictions on services linked to such settlements.
They expressed hope that this decision would help mobilise the international community to adopt similar measures in accordance with international law and to hold accountable organisations and individuals engaged in illegal activities in the settlements. The ministers renewed their call on Israel to rescind all measures taken in connection with settlement activity and other measures aimed at changing the geographical and demographic character of the occupied Palestinian territory, stressing that the only viable path to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace is the implementation of the two state solution, the statement said.
On Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced a series of retaliatory measures against the UK, including the closure of the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem and the withdrawal of British personnel from the US led coordination centre in the Gaza Strip, in response to London’s decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
As reported by CCTV+, the joint statement by the eight countries marked a notable diplomatic step demonstrating a consolidated position on the issue of Israeli settlements. Israel’s retaliatory measures announced on Tuesday indicate rising tensions, yet the welcome from a number of key regional states underscores that compliance with international law and the two state solution remain central to stability in the Middle East.
