Qatar welcomes Netherlands, Belgium bans on Israeli settlement imports

DOHA — Qatar has welcomed decisions by the Netherlands and Belgium to ban imports of products originating from Israeli settlements, describing the moves as a crucial step in efforts to deter settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the bans supported efforts aimed at deterring the occupation's settlement policies, which it said flagrantly violate resolutions of international legitimacy, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2334, and represent an egregious encroachment on the rights of the Palestinian people.

The ministry expressed hope that more countries would take similar steps, and stressed the importance of the international community shouldering its legal and moral responsibilities to compel Israel to halt its settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Netherlands announced on Tuesday that it would ban the import, purchase and sale of goods originating from Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories with effect from September 22. The Dutch foreign ministry said the measures reinforced the country's commitment to its international legal obligation not to contribute to an unlawful situation. The ban also covers intermediate trade and applies to Dutch companies operating abroad, with attempts to circumvent it prohibited. The Dutch Council of State did not object to the measure but raised doubts about its enforceability.

Belgium's federal government approved a similar ban days earlier. The two decisions place them alongside Ireland and Spain among European Union member states that have imposed national restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements, amid growing calls for bloc-wide measures.

The moves drew a wave of regional and international welcome. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation hailed both decisions and urged other states to follow suit, while Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian leadership also praised the steps.

Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, are considered illegal under international law. In an advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice found Israel's occupation unlawful and said states are obliged not to recognise the situation or render aid that helps sustain it. Israel maintains that its settlements are lawful and opposes measures targeting settlement trade.