The UK government says it will take a stronger position on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, with First Secretary of State Louise Haigh pledging increased pressure on the Israeli government.
Speaking at the Trades Union Congress on Tuesday, Haigh acknowledged that Britain had been too slow to respond to developments in Gaza and the West Bank. She said the government would no longer remain passive as Palestinian families face the consequences of the conflict.
Haigh said the UK’s approach was changing as the government seeks to respond more firmly to the humanitarian situation and preserve prospects for a two-state solution.
She pointed to sanctions announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband last week as part of this policy shift. The measures focus on Israeli settlements and individuals or organizations linked to their expansion.
Miliband announced several steps, including a ban on imports from Israeli settlements, sanctions against companies and individuals supporting settlement expansion, and further measures against extremist Israeli settlers accused of backing or encouraging violence against Palestinians.
Haigh said the government’s actions are intended to increase pressure on Israel while supporting efforts toward peace in the Middle East.
The UK government has said its updated approach is aimed at addressing what it considers violations linked to settlements and violence while maintaining its broader commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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