Regarding the investigation reports prepared for Israel's actions in Gaza, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said, "The results of these reports point to increasingly stronger evidence that war crimes may have been committed." he said.
After Miliband announced the sanctions decision regarding trade with the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories in the British Parliament, he answered the questions of the MPs on the subject.
Reminding that properties built on occupied lands were promoted at a real estate fair held in London in recent months, Miliband said, "This will not happen again. The promotion of illegal settlements in England will be banned." he said.
"Sanctions will target illegal settlements and their expansion, not Israel." Miliband noted that trade with Israel will continue.
Emphasizing that he opposes boycott campaigns for this reason, Miliband stated that the law targeting trade with occupied territories will come into force within 6 to 9 months and further steps will follow this law.
Miliband also underlined that rapid steps must be taken to stop Israel's E1 illegal settlement project, which aims to completely isolate East Jerusalem and divide the north and south of the West Bank.
Reminding that Britain had previously suspended 30 arms sales licenses to Israel on the grounds that they could be used in Gaza, Miliband announced that they would reject export license applications for all weapons and equipment used in the occupation of Palestinian lands.
Miliband drew attention to the situation in Gaza, underlining that these bans will remain in force as long as the occupation continues.
Noting that humanitarian aid is routinely prevented from entering the region, Miliband said, "Serious and deliberate violation of international humanitarian law is a war crime, even though it has been proven." he said.
Stating that the actions of the Israeli army in Gaza have been examined, Miliband said, "Many institutions and the United Nations have examined these actions in depth. The results of these reports point to increasingly stronger evidence that war crimes may have been committed." he said.
Underlining that 1200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire, Miliband said, "The people of Gaza are facing a completely preventable disaster. Unfortunately, this has come to this with the decisions of the Israeli government." he said.
Stating that Britain will do its part to meet the needs of the people of Gaza, Miliband said, "It is a fact that if Israel does not change its course, the situation in the region will become even more terrible." made his assessment.
Miliband added that they expect a new approach from Israel regarding Gaza and the West Bank.
Miliband explained that the law's coming into force within 6 to 9 months is related to the removal of the exemption applied to religious products, and that this issue will be discussed with the Jewish community.
Pointing out that Israel is endangering its own security, Miliband said that many British politicians begged Israel to change its path, but at this point today's decisions have to be taken.
In his response to the question about the intelligence and security cooperation with Israel supporting the attacks in Gaza, Miliband said, "Britain has no involvement in the occupation or the actions in Gaza and the West Bank." he said.
Responding to the question about other steps to be taken against Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands, Miliband said, "This is just the beginning." he said.
12 countries, including England, France, Spain and Canada, announced today that they would ban trade with the occupied Palestinian territories.
