THE UK Government is set to announce a ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, according to reports.
The Middle East Eye (MEE) has revealed that ministers are poised to announce a number of new policies following the summer recess.
While the policies are still under discussion, the MEE reported they are set to include a ban on goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which have been deemed illegal under international law and have been condemned by the UN security council.
Since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister last month, the UK Government appears to have begun shifting its policy towards Israel – but so far no tangible sanctions have been announced.
The National told how Burnham said that Labour "didn't get it right" over Gaza and the party need to do better, but was accused of "failing to show leadership" by not introducing sanctions.
The Prime Minister sparked anger over keeping a controversial peer as the UK's trade envoy to Israel, and it was also revealed that more than a third of Burnham's Cabinet are supporters of the influential pro-Israel lobbying group, Labour Friends of Israel.
The MEE reports that Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is pushing for stronger measures and has been consulting a range of civil society organisations.
According to the outlet, discussions are underway in the Foreign Office over whether the measures will involve legal sanctions for companies and organisations that have ties with settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.
It comes as the UK's charity regulator is investigating several British charities accused of sending money to settlements.
While former prime minister Keir Starmer declined to say the UK Government would ban charitable donations to these groups, it is understood that Burnham's Government is exploring doing so.
Individuals and organisations involved in the settler movement in the occupied West Bank could also face new sanctions, along with more Israeli ministers.
Far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich were sanctioned last year, accused of inciting "extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian rights".
The UK Government is also reportedly considering banning the export of certain military goods to Israel, although MEE reports no concrete decisions have been made.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "Settlements are illegal under international law, undermine the viability of a two-state solution and fuel insecurity for both Palestinians and Israelis.
"We have given clear advice to UK businesses that they should not engage in economic activity in illegal settlements and warn them of the reputational and potentially legal consequences of any such activities."
