London/Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – British Member of Parliament Afzal Khan has called on the UK Government to clarify its position on the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion regarding Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and the obligations of third-party states.

Speaking in Parliament, Afzal Khan noted that the ICJ had directed third states not to enter into trade dealings with Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and questioned why the UK Government had yet to respond fully to the court’s opinion.

He asked whether the Government would recognize the United Kingdom’s obligations under the ICJ ruling and take steps to ensure compliance with international law.

Responding to the question, the Secretary of State said the UK continues to support the ICJ’s call for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories as rapidly as possible and in line with the objective of achieving a negotiated two-state solution.

The minister stated that the British Government agrees with significant aspects of the advisory opinion, including the court’s position that Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal under international law.

The Government also reaffirmed its longstanding policy of distinguishing, in all areas of engagement, between Israel within its internationally recognized 1967 borders and the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

The exchange highlights continuing parliamentary scrutiny of the UK’s policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Government’s commitment to upholding international law while supporting efforts towards a lasting peace settlement.