Opinion: UK trade ban on illegal settlements is a welcome first step to justice for Palestinians

MP is the Labour Member of Parliament for Sheffield Central Abtisam Mohamed argues in an opinion piece for Middle East Eye that, while British trade ban is not enough to end an illegal Israeli occupation on its own, it is a necessary first step to put economic pressure on Israel and encourage other countries to follow suit. "The UK government decision to ban all trade with illegal Israeli settlements has all the hallmarks of a major rebalance on international affairs, from a foreign secretary finally willing to listen and show leadership," Mohamed writes, adding that "today’s shift from the government is both welcome and long overdue." Read more: Opinion: UK trade ban on illegal settlements is a welcome first step to justice for Palestinians Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband arrives ahead of a cabinet meeting in Downing Street in London on 21 July, 2026 (AFP)