The Forum of Muslim Organisations, Greater Manchester (FMO) warmly welcomes the Government’s decision to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We welcome the commitment that action will be taken against those who provide services such as construction, infrastructure, financing or real estate for settlement expansion. This is a very welcome first step towards securing the rights of Palestinians in the Occupied Territories.
FMO wholeheartedly supports our Foreign Secretary who eloquently spoke today of the UK’s support for the 2024 International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion. What has unfolded in Gaza, in the words of Rt Hon Ed Miliband is a source of deep shame. We have witnessed unimaginable trauma and suffering in the last three years with death, destruction and dehumanisation on an appalling scale.
The issue of E1 tenders would cut through the heart of Palestine, creating facts on the ground and making a two-state solution unviable. In the West Bank, 65 Palestinian communities have been expelled since 2023, as a result of state and settler violence. The UN reports six violent settler attacks on Palestinians per day this year. FMO welcomes the British Government’s declaration that there is ethnic cleansing perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank and that occupation is unlawful.
We agree that Britain’s leadership cannot be silent in the face of deep injustice and nor is it powerless.
Today is an important and long overdue moment marking the beginning of a new approach, one that not only calls out injustice and suffering but that acts. This is a first step towards justice and accountability for Palestinians, in Gaza and the West Bank. That Britain will put pressure on the Israeli government to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and will respect and support the ICJ, is welcome news.
Great Britain can lead nations by acting for peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis whilst nurturing strong and respectful inter-community dialogue within these shores.