London, 08 September 2026

Statement by the British Palestinian Committee on the Sanctioning of Illegal Israeli Settlements

Today’s announcement by the British Foreign Secretary indicates a shift in position from the previous Labour administration. It is a necessary and overdue step. Among the announced positions are certain measures which, if implemented and taken further, bring the UK closer to meeting its obligations under international law, and would indicate a shift towards holding Israeli war crimes to account. 

Settlements are foundational to Israel’s colonial architecture and expansionist policy from before the state’s inception. The 2024 International Advisory Opinion affirms the unlawful nature of Israel’s occupation and requires the dismantlement of all settlements, which constitute a war crime under international law. Through this announcement, the UK has at last acknowledged the unlawful nature of the occupation. With this, comes a responsibility to ensure the findings of that Advisory Opinion are fully implemented. The UK must therefore act to ensure that neither the government nor British companies profit from, facilitate, or assist Israel’s unlawful occupation, settlement project, and dispossession of the Palestinian people.

As Israel continues to colonise Palestinian land and kill, maim, torture and imprison Palestinians across Palestine on a daily basis, the UK government must demonstrate that this announcement represents a substantive change in policy that is enforceable and robust. That means imposing comprehensive sanctions on the Israeli state; further targeted sanctions on Israeli ministers and officials responsible for grave violations of international law; and supporting the enforcement of international arrest warrants and the prosecution of Israeli leaders wanted in The Hague for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Significantly, a two-way ban on arms trade is essential, including the continued provision of components and support that enable Israel’s military operations. Yet, the government has already stated that F-35 parts will continue to be provided indirectly through the global pool. 

These are measures that any government committed to upholding the international legal framework should be prepared to take, not least in the context of ongoing genocide on Gaza. The move reflects the ever-growing isolation of Israel on the international stage and demonstrates the importance of sustained solidarity from the British public who continue to engage their representatives, attend protests and mobilise against Israel’s genocide, despite the previous administration’s criminalisation of support for Palestinian rights.

Today’s announcement, while welcome, will ultimately be judged not by its rhetoric, but by its enforcement both within and beyond this current government. We have an obligation to the living and the dead in Palestine to ensure that the actions of the Israeli government – and those who continue to support it – are held to account.

The British Palestinian Committee is an independent organisation of British Palestinians in leading or representative positions across major Palestine-related organisations and constituencies in the UK.

To download the statement as a PDF, please click here.

For more information or media enquiries: info@britpalcommittee.co.uk