Palestinian relations with UK improve despite Israeli pressure

Palestinian relations with the United Kingdom are improving despite pressure from Israel, according to Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK. Zomlot stated that the two sides are working together to enforce British sanctions on West Bank settlements, which are essential for countering Israeli pressure on the Palestinian economy.

Palestinian diplomats in the UK are collaborating with British officials to ensure the sanctions effectively target illegal settlements. The sanctions, which took effect in September, restrict Palestinian trade and finance, as most exports pass through Israeli checkpoints and customs channels. Zomlot emphasized the need for the UK and the international community to ensure the Palestinian economy has multiple "throats to breathe," as they are currently dependent on the Israeli-controlled system.

The Palestinian ambassador has had regular meetings with British officials since the sanctions were announced and expressed hope for a foreign policy aimed at disabling Israeli settlement expansion and occupation while enabling Palestine's economy. Palestinian officials, supported by British campaign groups, are also seeking a full arms embargo on Israel and sanctions on Israeli state institutions that aid settlement expansion.

Currently, these efforts are in their early stages, but Zomlot acknowledged that the track is still progressing. The ambassador is also discussing measures to enhance trade relations between Palestine and the UK, building on a previous agreement between Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and former British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Upgraded trade and economic ties could further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Despite Israel's attempts to pressure these growing relations, such as downgrading the British consulate general in Jerusalem, Zomlot remains committed to maintaining strong collaboration between the UK and Palestine. He emphasized that the consulate's presence in Jerusalem is crucial for the image of British support for the Palestinian people and that the Israeli government's plan to cleanse Jerusalem of international representation is illegal and doomed to fail.