British MPs citing ICJ opinion urge ban on Israeli settlement goods

A letter signed by 61 MPs from several political parties has urged the British government to impose a ban on Israeli settlement goods.

The letter, sent to the business and trade secretary by Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed on Monday, alleges that the UK's trade and investment relationship with Israel "falls short of the standards required" under international law.

It cites the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to support its view.

The letter notes the ICJ's advisory opinion last July that states must not "render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation" caused by Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory - an occupation the ICJ said was illegal.

By declaring that states must "abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel" concerning the occupied territories "which may entrench its unlawful presence", the ICJ asserted that boycotting Israeli settlement goods is an obligation for states.

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