Abu Dhabi, UAE – The foreign ministers of the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia welcomed the British government’s decision to ban the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and to impose restrictions on related services. The ministers considered the move a potential step that could encourage the international community to take similar measures consistent with international law.
Call for international action against settlements
In a joint statement, the ministers expressed their hope that the British decision would garner further international support. They also stressed the need to hold settlement organizations and individuals involved in illegal settlement activities accountable.
They also welcomed a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of several European countries and Canada regarding the two-state solution. The statement included the intention of some countries to impose national restrictions or support European restrictions on trade in goods from settlements. In addition, some countries announced they would consider taking similar measures in accordance with their national procedures.
Affirmation of international law
The ministers affirmed that these trends are consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, most notably Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016. They also referred to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice issued on July 19, 2024.
They stressed the commitment of states not to recognize the legitimacy of the situation arising from the illegal Israeli occupation, and not to provide aid or assistance in its continuation. They also reiterated their call on Israel to rescind all measures related to settlement activity and actions aimed at altering the geographic and demographic character of the occupied Palestinian territory.
Supporting the Gaza plan and the two-state solution
The ministers stressed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories. They also called for the full and immediate implementation of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the conflict in Gaza, ensuring security, stability, and improved humanitarian conditions. They affirmed their support for reconstruction and recovery efforts.
They affirmed that the two-state solution is the only viable path to achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. This can be achieved through the establishment of an independent, sovereign, geographically contiguous, and viable Palestinian state, based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This must be done in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
