Netanyahu visit: Sanction Israel over settlements
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Ban arms sales to Israel & Israeli products from the West Bank
Urge your MP to oppose UK complicity with annexation
London, UK – 6 February 2017
“Britain must ban arms sales to Israel and the import of products from illegal Israeli settlements on the West Bank. The UK supported UN Security Council resolution 2334 last December, which confirmed the illegality of Israel’s ever-expanding settlement building and its role in undermining the chances of peace. Since Israel has persistently defied international law, the time has come for targeted sanctions,” said human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, Director the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
The call comes as Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, today met British Prime Minister, Theresa May, at Downing Street. Outside the gates, Mr Tatchell joined a protest against PM Netanyahu organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
“There should be no new UK trade deal with Israel until it complies with international law by ending the occupation and settlements. Britain must also suspend weapons exports to Israel, as these violate the Arms Trade Treaty which the UK has signed and pledged to uphold.
“Since President Trump’s inauguration, plans have been announced for over 3,000 new Israeli homes on Palestinian land. Already, the total number of Israeli settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is more than 700,000 – a 600% increase since the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. At the same time, there are rising evictions, demolitions and confiscations of Arab homes and land, including of Bedouins in the Negev desert.
“This de facto colonisation of Palestinian territory is sabotaging the prospects for peace and the creation of a viable, independent state of Palestine.
“Peace with justice for the Palestinians is vital to deescalate the conflict, create regional stability and ensure the long-term security of both Israeli and Palestinian citizens.
“The new settlements are a gift to Palestinian hardliners who oppose a peace deal and resort to violence. It boosts their support. They argue that Israeli expansionism is proof that it is not a serious and trustworthy partner for peace. Settlements weaken the position of Palestinians who are still wedded to a two-state solution and peaceful co-existence between Arabs and Jews.
“We support the many Israelis who oppose the new settlements and who recognise that expansionism strengthens rejectionists on the Palestinian side and stokes the flames of conflict. This undermines efforts to secure a negotiated peace deal, which is in the interests of the Jewish people as well as in the interests of their Palestinian counterparts.
“This Thursday the UK parliament will debate Israel’s illegal settlements. Please ask your MP to demand an end to UK complicity with what is, in effect, the annexation of Palestinian territory,” said Mr Tatchell.
With just a few clicks, you can email your MP here:
https://palestinecampaign.iparlsetup.com/lobby/settlementsdebate
Thank you.
UN resolution 2334
http://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/SRES2334-2016.pdf
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