President of the Arab Parliament Welcomes Netherlands' Decision to Ban Products from Israeli Settlements
Cairo, July 22 (KUNA) -- Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Yamahi welcomed on Wednesday the Netherlands’ decision to ban products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, describing it as a progressive step in confronting illegal settlement activity and a victory for international law.
In a statement, Al-Yamahi said the decision embodies states’ commitment not to recognize illegal situations arising from occupation, affirming that settlements constitute a crime under international law and United Nations resolutions. He called for halting any economic or commercial dealings with these entities, considering them an extension of the occupation and its policies of settlement, annexation, and the displacement of the Palestinian people.
He added that the Dutch move, following similar measures taken by other European countries, reflects growing international will to move beyond political condemnations to taking practical steps to hold the occupation accountable. It also sends a clear message that settlements are not a legitimate economic activity, but rather an illegal enterprise that cannot be invested in or engaged with in any form.
The Arab Parliament Speaker urged all countries to follow the Netherlands’ example by banning products from Israeli settlements, imposing sanctions on companies and institutions supporting them, and suspending trade and economic privileges and agreements until compliance with international law, an end to the occupation, and the cessation of settlement activities.
He noted that the occupation’s impunity has encouraged it to continue its campaign of genocide, policies of starvation, forced displacement, and settlement against the Palestinian people. He called on the international community to take decisive steps to halt these crimes, hold their perpetrators accountable, and enable the Palestinian people to realize their legitimate rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent, sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Earlier on Tuesday, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom van der Linde announced that the Netherlands would ban the entry of products originating from illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories starting September 22. (End) M.M. / M.A.A.
