Ulema Council Welcomes UK Measures Against Israeli Settlements

Faisalabad: (Abdul Majid) The Markazi Ulema Council Pakistan has welcomed the United Kingdom’s recent measures against illegal Israeli settlements and settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly the West Bank.

The council described the UK’s action as a positive development and a step in support of the Palestinian people.

The Markazi Ulema Council Pakistan said the Muslim Ummah had long been raising its voice against Israeli settlement expansion and forced settlement activities in the occupied territories. It termed the UK’s decision to impose trade restrictions related to illegal settlements a commendable and appropriate step.

The council also welcomed the joint position adopted by the United Kingdom and 12 other countries, saying it reflected solidarity with the Palestinian people and the broader cause of humanity.

Chairman of the Markazi Ulema Council Pakistan, Sahibzada Maulana Zahid Mahmood Qasmi, said foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt had also welcomed the British government’s decision to restrict imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as services linked to those settlements.

Qasmi expressed hope that the UK’s decision would encourage other members of the international community to take further practical measures in line with international law. He stressed that individuals and institutions involved in illegal settlement activities should also be held accountable.

He further called on the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take effective and practical steps towards dismantling illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The council chairman said the international community should move beyond statements of condemnation and take concrete action against settlement expansion. He also urged the reversal of measures aimed at changing the geographical and demographic character of the occupied territories and called for serious international efforts to safeguard the fundamental rights, freedom and right to self-determination of the Palestinian people.