UN Expert Calls UK Sanctions on Israeli Settlements a 'Seismic' Shift

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, described new sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on Israeli settlements as a “seismic” shift in British policy, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Albanese said the move represented a significant departure from what she characterized as years of UK “complicity” in relation to Israeli settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Details of the specific measures announced by the UK government were not fully outlined in the available report. Al Jazeera's coverage focused on Albanese's remarks reacting to the announcement rather than the full scope of the sanctions themselves.

The UK has faced longstanding criticism from human rights advocates and UN officials over its approach to Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law by the UN and most of the international community, though Israel disputes this characterization.

Al Jazeera did not provide additional comment from UK officials or Israeli representatives in the segment reviewed.