Pakistan and seven other Arab and Muslim-majority countries have welcomed the United Kingdom’s decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Wednesday.
They welcomed both the import ban and new UK restrictions on services linked to Israeli settlements.
Countries Call for Wider International Action
The eight countries said the British move could encourage other countries to take similar steps.
They called on the international community to act against settlement organisations and individuals involved in settlement activities.
The ministers also welcomed a separate statement by 12 countries supporting further trade restrictions on goods from settlements considered illegal under international law.
Call to Reject the Consequences of the Occupation
The ministers urged all countries not to recognise the legal consequences of what they described as Israel’s illegal occupation.
They also called on Israel to reverse measures linked to settlement activity.
The statement stressed that the international community should take concrete steps to end the expansion of Israeli settlements.
Gaza Remains Part of the Palestinian Territory
The eight countries also addressed the situation in Gaza.
They said Gaza remains an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory.
The ministers called for full and immediate implementation of US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan for ending the Gaza conflict.
They also stressed the need for urgent action to improve security, stability and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Eight Countries Back Two-State Solution
The foreign ministers said the two-state solution remains the only viable path toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
They called for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
The statement comes as the UK, France and Canada have taken new steps against Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank. Britain announced a ban on imports from settlements and restrictions on services linked to settlement projects.
