UK must end all trade with Israel, says co-founder of BDS movement
Summary
Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the BDS movement, says the UK must stop all trade and support for Israel to meet its legal duty to prevent genocide in Gaza. The UK government is considering banning trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank as part of a policy reset, but there is debate about this approach among British Jewish groups and officials.Key Facts
- Omar Barghouti calls UK sanctions on Israeli settlements "smoke and mirrors" and urges a complete stop to all trade, arms exports, and academic ties with Israel.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel's occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem is illegal and may violate racial segregation and apartheid laws.
- The ICJ also stated there is a plausible risk of genocide, which creates a legal obligation for other countries to act to prevent it.
- The UK government plans a "comprehensive reset" of its policy on Israel, including possibly banning British companies from trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
- British foreign secretary Ed Miliband criticized the E1 settlement plans, saying they threaten the possibility of a two-state solution.
- Some British Jewish groups warn that a trade ban may increase antisemitism and express concern over the occupation and annexation of the West Bank.
- Israel’s foreign minister warned the UK that if Britain takes actions against Israel, Israel will respond.
- Barghouti says current UK sanctions have little real effect on Israel’s actions regarding Palestinians.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
