Wes Streeting calls for ‘targeted economic sanctions’ against settlements

Ilford North MP Wes Streeting has called for “targeted economic sanctions” against Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

In a speech in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Streeting said he was calling for the sanctions “in light of the demolitions taking place in the Bedouin community of Khan al-Ahmar”.

In the Commons debate, he said: “I too am a friend of Israel,” but added: “What’s happening is a deliberate policy intention of the current Israeli government, which has no concern or regard for a two-state solution and simply wants to expand illegal settlements.”

Streeting said this would undermine Israelis’ security and “grossly infringe” the human rights of Palestinians,” adding that the demolition required “a serious international response”.

Addressing Middle East Minister Alistair Burt, he said: “If Israel is going to demolish Palestinian villages on grounds that they are illegal settlements, is it not time for this country and our European partners to take targeted economic sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.”

Burt said Streeting “will have spoken for many, both inside and outside, as others have done”.

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