On Thursday 9th of February, MPs have a chance to take part in a parliamentary debate about Israel’s illegal and immoral settlements.
We need to make sure as many MPs as possible speak out about the stark impact of settlement building on Palestinian lives and ask the government to take concrete steps to cease all trade and financial ties with settlements.
Please, write to your MP urging them to take part in this debate.
In December 2016, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2334 demanding that “Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem” whilst also reaffirming the illegality of the settlements and their existence as a barrier to peace.
This position corresponds with the longstanding UK Government policy regarding settlements. Despite this, however, the UK Government continues to permit substantial trade with and financial support to settlements.
We know that settlements are not a victimless crime, and that their construction has dire consequences for Palestinians who face severe restrictions on their movement, ability to earn a living and residency rights. Palestinians living next to settlements often have their lands confiscated, homes demolished and face the constant threat of attacks by settlers; this oppressive status quo exists alongside restrictive planning laws that force Palestinians into ever-shrinking ghettos. All this brings incredible suffering to the lives of Palestinians and makes any hopes for a just peace ever more remote.