Amnesty calls UK trade ban on Israel’s illegal settlements a 'significant step'

Amnesty International’s senior director for research, advocacy, policy, and campaigns has welcomed Britain's decision to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

Erika Guevara Rosas said in a post on X that the announcement was "long overdue" and hailed the UK's move as a "significant step" and a "recognition that settlements are at the heart of Israel's unlawful occupation, annexation, ethnic cleansing and the ongoing dispossession of Palestinians".

"But this must be the beginning, not the end," she said, adding that the UK must now take broader actions, including the halting of military deals with Israel, ending all support sustaining its continued apartheid and occupation, as well as holding it accountable for genocide and other crimes under international law committed against Palestinians.

"The direction is finally changing. Now the UK must match words with action and take the far more meaningful steps needed to help end Israel's impunity."