Kathmandu— British Prime Minister and Labour leader Andy Burnham is expected to soon approve a ban on goods linked to Israeli settlements in response to Israel’s recent announcement of tenders for over 1,200 new units in the E1 settlement area of the occupied West Bank; the move has garnered broad support from within Burnham's party and human rights organizations, who argue it upholds both British legal obligations and moral principles. The decision follows years of condemnation of Israeli settlements as illegal under international law and increasing pressure on the UK government to take concrete action against their expansion.

Calls for Accountability Grow

Labour lawmaker Richard Burgon emphasized that sanctions would be a “very welcome first step” in ending Israel’s occupation, citing obligations under international law. He stated these actions would demonstrate both moral and legal responsibility on the part of the UK. Sarah Sanbar, acting Israel-Palestine researcher at Human Rights Watch, added that the UK government has long considered E1 a red line, suggesting this potential ban is directly linked to Israel’s disregard for that boundary.

E1 Settlement Project Concerns

The proposed E1 settlement project is particularly contentious as it would create an Israeli corridor between occupied East Jerusalem and the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. The expansion of settlements on occupied land is widely considered illegal under international law, and critics argue it undermines the viability of a future Palestinian state. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband previously condemned the E1 expansion in August, summoning the Israeli charge d’affaires to express opposition.

Debate Over Implementation and Impact

While support for a ban is growing, some groups like Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) have voiced concerns about potential economic repercussions or practical difficulties. The LFI report suggests that sanctions could negatively impact both Palestinians and Israelis and may be “impossible” to implement effectively; however, Sanbar dismissed these claims, arguing that businesses operating illegally can simply relocate their operations. Opponents also suggest a ban would amount to a boycott of Israel as a whole, but Sanbar countered that this theory doesn’t hold up.

Public Opinion and Political Momentum

Recent polling data from YouGov indicates significant public support for the proposed ban, with one in two Britons backing the measure. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has also noted a shift in public opinion, linking it to dissatisfaction with Labour’s previous stance on Israel. More than 140 Labour MPs, including Burgon and Sarah Champion, have publicly called for the trade ban, highlighting strong political momentum within Burnham's party.

Financial Investment in Settlements

Last year, Israel allocated over $800 million to expand illegal settlements, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich promising to double the settler population. Human rights advocates view the UK’s potential sanctions as a crucial step towards making war crimes less profitable and holding Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has declined to comment on specifics while drafting measures, but affirmed that illegal settlements threaten both the viability of a Palestinian state and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.