Doha: has welcomed the Belgian government's decision to ban imports originating from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem. It described the move as a significant step that is consistent with international law.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday emphasizing that the decision underscores Belgium's commitment to international justice principles and respect for international law. The ministry affirmed that this aligns with the advisory opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the unlawful Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem.
The statement highlighted that the obligation on states is not to recognize the unlawful situation arising from the occupation and settlement activity, nor to provide any aid in sustaining it. It called for this obligation to extend to all commercial, economic, financial, investment, and service-related activities linked to illegal settlements.
Furthermore, the statement added that respecting international law is a legal duty requiring practical measures, legislation, and policies to ensure no contribution is made to the occupation or colonization system. The ministry emphasized that these actions are vital to confirm the discontinuation of the system.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also noted its ongoing efforts to monitor debates within the European Union and work with countries to implement similar measures banning trade with Israeli settlements. It welcomed the growing European support for these legal actions as a practical manifestation of the ICJ's advisory opinion and an essential step to prevent the colonial settlement system from benefiting from commercial relations with countries.
On Saturday, the Belgian government announced its decision to ban products imported from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Belgian media outlets reported that the Federal Cabinet made the decision during its final meeting before the summer recess, following discussions on imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. However, the Belgian government has not announced any mechanism for implementing the decision or set a date for its entry into force.