Settlement trade ban a significant day and welcome first step

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The UK government ban on trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank is a significant day and a welcome step towards respecting international law and supporting Palestinian rights, says Oxfam.

Ed Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, has announced in the House of Commons a ban on UK trade with illegal Israeli settlements, that includes goods services, investments and advertising, which Oxfam and others have been campaigning for. This is a significant day and a welcome step towards respecting international law and supporting Palestinian rights.

This victory for the collective action of Oxfam supporters and our allies shows once again that when people come together for justice, change really can happen.

A man in the West Bank standing looking towards piles of rubble of a destroyed building. Other people can be seen looking at the rubble in the distance.
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A ban on settlement trade is a significant and welcome step towards respecting international law and supporting Palestinian rights. The ban remains one of the key actions the UK must take to fulfil its legal obligation and implement the International Court of Justice Advisory opinion. UK-settlement trade is driving human rights violations and entrenching Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land. Settler and state-led violence is surging.”

Jean McLean, Oxfam Chief Influencing Officer

Replica bomb and flowers placed outside UK Parliament for an Oxfam media stunt. Photo: Andy Aitchison / Oxfam

Replica bomb and flowers placed outside UK Parliament for an Oxfam media stunt.

Jean McLean added: “The UK must now extend this ban further to include all services and investment in illegal Israeli settlements, immediately halt all arms sales to Israel when they might be used to commit international law violations, and use every diplomatic and economic tool at its disposal to push for an end to the unlawful occupation and support Palestinian self-determination.”

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A win for campaigners

From holding our leaders to account, to responding when crisis hits, to supporting communities to rebuild, when we work together, we can fight the causes and consequences of poverty. We will continue to fight for justice for Palestinians, and there is much more to be done.

This wouldn’t have happened without pressure from Oxfam supporters and others who care and refuse to stay silent when it matters most. 

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For comments, interviews, or information please contact the Oxfam GB Media Team:

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