UK must end all trade with Israel, says co-founder of BDS movement
Exclusive: sanctions against ministers and settler groups are ‘smoke and mirrors cop-out’ says Omar Barghouti
TL;DR
- Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the BDS movement, argues Britain must end all trade and support for Israel to fulfill its legal obligations regarding the occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
- He describes sanctions against individual settler groups or ministers as insufficient and a distraction from the UK's broader legal obligations under international law.
- The UK is reportedly preparing to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the Foreign Secretary is considering how to prevent British companies from financing, constructing, or advertising new settlements.
- Barghouti cites the International Court of Justice's rulings stating Israel's occupation is illegal and that there is a plausible case of genocide, triggering third-state responsibilities to prevent it.
- The Israeli embassy has warned of retaliation if Britain acts against Israel, stating that Israel possesses the tools to respond.