Britain Must Sanction Israel, Not Just Its Settlers, Argues British Parliamentarian

An opinion piece published by Al Jazeera on October 30, 2026, details an attempt by a delegation of British parliamentarians and international observers to enter the illegally occupied West Bank. According to the author, the group was interrogated and detained by Israeli forces for nearly eight hours before being prevented from crossing the border.

Delegation Detained at Border

The author states that the visit, organised by Global Justice Now, aimed to observe conditions and highlight attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters. The article reports that in the past 18 months, two British delegations of MPs have been turned away from entering the area.

Calls for Expanded UK Sanctions

While welcoming recent UK sanctions announced against illegal West Bank settlements, the author argues that measures must go further and target the Israeli state directly, rather than focusing solely on individual settlers.

• State-Level Measures: The article asserts that state policy utilizes settler militias, requiring broader government-level sanctions.
• Economic Targeting: The text calls for sanctions against companies profiting from settlements, including those providing finance, insurance, and surveillance technologies.
• Arms Control: The author urges the closure of loopholes regarding arms exports, specifically pointing to F-35 jet components and training aircraft licences.
• Humanitarian Aid: The piece highlights the situation in Gaza and calls for sanctions against actors involved in blocking aid.

Practical Implications and Verification

The article reflects the personal opinion of the author and represents reported claims regarding government policies and regional conditions. Readers can verify official UK foreign policy and sanction announcements through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.