The UK is preparing a package of sanctions targeting companies linked to a proposed West Bank settlement development that would make the two-state solution virtually impossible.
The plan has been widely criticised by governments, warning it could undermine the prospects of a contiguous Palestinian territory and a two-state solution.
The UK Foreign Office and several Western governments are expected to announce measures aimed at deterring corporate involvement in the E1 settlement project, according to The Guardian, which would include the construction of more than 3,000 homes between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim in the West Bank.
Nine countries, including the UK, France and Australia, have previously warned that settlement-related activity should not proceed, with the upcoming sanctions package expected to set out consequences for firms involved in the development.
The government’s measures come as 137 Labour MPs, including former health secretary Wes Streeting, have also called for “urgent, concrete action” on settlement trade, including calls to end trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
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In a letter addressed to foreign secretary Yvette Cooper, MP and Medical Aid for Palestinians former chief executive Melanie Ward said: “Banning settlement trade would send the clearest possible message to Israel that settlements can have no viable economic future and are rejected by the world. This is needed now more than ever.”
The news follows in the wake of retailer Superdrug on Friday (5 June) removing a cosmetics brand from its website following concerns over production activity linked to an Israeli settlement.
The retailer said the products were sold via its marketplace and confirmed the listings were removed after being alerted to material relating to the brand’s supply chain.
Superdrug has since introduced measures to block future listings of the brand on its platform, however Ahava has previously disputed claims regarding its production operations.
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