UN expert Francesca Albanese calls for ‘true paradigm shift’ as Miliband resets policy on Israel
Exclusive: UN special rapporteur on occupied territories says ban on goods from settlements ‘important’ but must go further if it is to amount to more than a ‘press release’
TL;DR
- UK's planned ban on trade with unlawful Israeli settlements is a crucial first step, according to a UN expert.
- UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese stresses the ban must extend beyond goods to services, intelligence cooperation, and arms licensing to be effective.
- US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized the UK policy, alleging 'Jew hatred' motivated it.
- Albanese highlighted the UK's obligation to not recognize or aid the maintenance of Israel's 'unlawful' presence in occupied territories, as stated by the ICJ.
- The expert urged the UK to address the E1 settlement tenders and to consider joining international accountability mechanisms like the ICJ cases involving South Africa and Nicaragua.
- Guidance for UK firms to disregard US sanctions on international criminal court officials and staff was also called for.