Legal experts, including senior barristers and former judges, have urged the British government to take stronger action against Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, arguing that recent measures—such as an import ban on settlement goods—do not meet its legal obligations under international law. The group, numbering over 130, claims the government’s response falls short of the requirements set by the International Court of Justice, which has ruled the occupation itself to be unlawful. While the foreign secretary has introduced limited sanctions, the signatories argue further steps are necessary to align with legal rulings. The letter calls for a more robust approach to address what they describe as a persistent violation of international law.
More than 130 sign letter to PM saying international law requires further measures to stop illegal settlementsMore than 130 legal experts, including 18 king’s counsel (KCs), have written to Andy Burnham saying that sanctions on Israeli settlements “fall far short” of Britain’s obligations under the international court of justice’s (ICJ’s) finding that the occupation is unlawful.The foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, last week announced an import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine and other measures. Signatories to the letter to the prime minister, including the leading lawyers Michael Mansfield KC and Imran Khan KC, and the former lord justice of appeal Alan Moses, say it is not enough. Continue reading...
