Egypt and Jordan have expressed approval for the United Kingdom’s recent measures aimed at restricting trade associated with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Both nations are now calling for enhanced global initiatives to halt the proliferation of these settlements and safeguard the prospects of a two-state solution.
Egypt’s Response to UK Trade Restrictions
On Tuesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry labeled the UK’s decision to prohibit trade in goods and services related to illegal settlements as a significant move that underscores a commitment to international law and relevant resolutions on this issue. This measure is viewed as a vital step in addressing illegal settlement expansion that alters conditions on the ground, particularly in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The ministry emphasized that ongoing settlement growth jeopardizes the territorial integrity of Palestinian land, complicating the likelihood of creating a viable Palestinian state.
Moreover, Egypt reiterated that achieving a fair and lasting peace necessitates the cessation of the Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the borders established on June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Cairo further expressed solidarity with a joint declaration from the foreign ministers of twelve countries, which emphasizes support for the two-state solution and outlines actions to limit trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
Jordan’s Call for Accountability
In a similar vein, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi applauded the UK’s initiative, characterizing it as a targeted approach against unlawful Israeli practices that undermine the two-state solution. In a public statement, Safadi expressed gratitude towards the British government for its principled stance and acknowledged the support from other nations, including Canada, Denmark, and Ireland, which are contemplating similar measures. He highlighted the importance of international action against illegal settlements, noting that ongoing violence, confiscation of land, and restrictions on Palestinian livelihoods do not lead to peace or security.
Safadi further cautioned against any violations of the historic status quo at Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, asserting that true peace hinges on the end of unlawful occupation and the successful implementation of the two-state framework. He called on the international community to effectively counteract Israeli policies that threaten peace and hinder the region’s inhabitants from living securely. The minister stressed that the Israeli government should be held accountable for its radical policies and violations of international law.
Growing International Pressure on Israel
The statements made by Egyptian and Jordanian officials come at a time of escalating international criticism regarding Israeli settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank. Several European countries are either considering or actively adopting restrictions on trade linked to illegal settlements. A recent joint statement from the foreign ministers of twelve Western nations reaffirmed the commitment to the two-state solution while announcing restrictions on goods originating from these settlements.
Earlier in the week, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband revealed that the UK would impose an import ban on products from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, citing serious concerns regarding the “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians. Since late 2022, the Israeli government has sanctioned the establishment of numerous new illegal settlements and agricultural outposts in the region. Palestinian reports highlight a troubling trend of increasing violence and displacement resulting from this expansion.
Currently, an estimated 750,000 Israeli settlers reside in approximately 194 illegal settlements and 400 outposts across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The situation remains tense, particularly in light of the deteriorating conditions following Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza. The international community broadly recognizes Israeli settlements in occupied territories as illegal under international law, a stance that Israel disputes.
As the global discourse around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict evolves, Egypt and Jordan continue to advocate for practical measures that can support the rights of Palestinians and contribute to a sustainable peace in the region.