Palestinian officials in Ramallah described Britain’s decision to ban dealings with Israeli settlements in the West Bank as a “significant political achievement,” particularly in light of growing incidents of violence by settlers against Palestinians recently.
They emphasized that the move represents an important step toward protecting the two-state solution and is widely regarded as a setback for far-right policies and “radical elements within the Israeli government.”
A senior Fatah official hailed Britain’s move as “an excellent and outstanding step,” calling it "a victory for those working for peace and for the two-state solution."
The official pointed out that the UK, as a major world power and the country behind the Balfour Declaration, is now sending a strong message by taking this position. "This shows Britain’s understanding of international relations and its support for Palestinian statehood," he told The Jerusalem Post.
"The decision tells Israel that it cannot expect to enjoy security or normal ties with other countries while it continues settlement expansion and aggressive actions and policies against Palestinians," he said.
'World rejects Israeli settlement policies'
He added that the move gives Palestinians hope, demonstrating that the "world rejects Israeli settlement policies and stands with Palestinians' rights."
Another Palestinian Authority official told the Post that “It affirms that the world cannot accept the continued Israeli occupation and settlement activity, which violate international law.”
Other Palestinians added that "this is a meaningful action to protect the two-state solution," noting they are pleased with any initiative that restricts settlement activities.
A former official from the PA foreign affairs ministry told the Post that Palestinians have urged other countries to follow Britain’s example.
A statement issued by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the PA "appreciates the determination of these countries to impose restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, and to support the adoption of similar measures at the European level."
The statement considered it an "important practical step," and called on the entire international community to expedite the translation of these positions into binding measures, including imposing sanctions on extremist settlers and those supporting them."
It also called to "immediately halt settlement activities, cancel the E1 plan, and refrain from all measures aimed at annexing Palestinian land or displacing its residents."
Chairman of the Palestinian National Council Rawhi Fattouh welcomed the French and British decisions to ban products from Israeli settlements, describing them as "important political and legal measures that strengthen the international stance rejecting annexation and the seizure of land by force."
He stated that confronting settlement activity is not merely a political choice but an 'international responsibility'. He said that protecting the two-state solution begins with halting settlement expansion, holding accountable those who undermine it, and isolating the "apartheid government."
Fattouh emphasized that international positions must go beyond political condemnation to include binding legal, diplomatic, and economic measures, such as a comprehensive ban on settlement products entering markets, ending all commercial or investment dealings with settlements, and restricting entities and companies that finance or support settlement activity.
He also called on European countries and Canada to adopt a clear international framework to isolate settlements, cut off funding sources, and end any form of political or economic protection that enables their continuation.