Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, has emphasized that the United Kingdom’s legal and moral duty to intervene in the ongoing genocide in Gaza demands more substantial actions than merely ceasing trade with illegal Israeli settlements or implementing additional sanctions.

Barghouti criticized targeted sanctions against specific settler groups or extremist officials as mere “smoke and mirrors,” diverting attention from the UK’s obligations under international law to completely withdraw support for Israel. This includes banning arms exports, halting trade agreements, and discontinuing academic collaborations that could contribute to Israel’s unlawful occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

On Tuesday, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced that a “comprehensive reset” of the UK’s policy regarding Israel is forthcoming. Reports suggest that the UK is considering a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and Miliband informed the House of Commons that the government is examining ways to prevent British companies from “financing, constructing or advertising new settlements.”

Miliband condemned the proposed E1 settlement, which would involve building 3,400 homes in a strategically significant area of the West Bank, labeling it as unacceptable and potentially catastrophic for the viability of a two-state solution.

As the Israeli elections approach on October 27, tenders for these settlements are expected to be issued, raising concerns about irrevocable changes to the territory.

In response to proposed UK actions, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council cautioned Miliband that such a ban could exacerbate antisemitism in the UK. Conversely, a third group, Yachad, met with Miliband to express increasing unease among British Jews regarding the intensification of occupation and the effective annexation of the West Bank.

With over two decades of advocacy for Palestinian rights, Barghouti asserted that the validity of human rights law and the West’s commitment to it is fundamentally tested in Palestine. He noted that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had declared in July 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is illegal and constitutes a violation of international laws against apartheid and racial segregation.

Barghouti highlighted that numerous UN human rights experts have outlined essential steps for the UK to fulfill its obligations, including implementing a complete military embargo and ceasing all trade, diplomatic, and academic relations that facilitate Israel’s illegal occupation.

He pointed out that the ICJ in January 2024 identified a plausible case for violations of Palestinian rights under the Genocide Convention, emphasizing that the UK has a responsibility to act when there is a risk of genocide. Barghouti criticized UK government lawyers for overlooking this aspect of the ruling and insisted that the Genocide Convention mandates preventative action by halting complicity.

The Israeli embassy responded to these developments, referencing comments by Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister, who warned that any actions taken by Britain against Israel would provoke a response from the Israeli government, stating, “The period is over when people act against the state of Israel and the state of Israel doesn’t respond.”

Barghouti described current UK sanctions as “entirely performative,” lacking real impact in holding Israel accountable or compelling compliance with international law. He asserted that Israel has effectively annexed the occupied Palestinian territories, complicating the distinction between goods and services from settlements and those from other areas.

When asked whether the BDS movement aims to persuade Israelis through economic pressure, Barghouti clarified that sanctions must be both legal and ethical, targeting those directly involved in crimes, particularly international offenses. He emphasized that these measures are intended to ensure accountability rather than simply restricting settlers’ leisure activities in the UK.

Despite South Africa’s need to return to the ICJ to address Israel’s noncompliance with court directives, Barghouti expressed continued faith in international law, advocating for its evolution and adaptation. He stated that the BDS movement seeks to hold states, corporations, and institutions accountable for their complicity in genocide, rather than waiting for international law to deliver justice.

Barghouti concluded that while international law and ethical considerations are crucial, they are not sufficient alone. He stressed the necessity of mobilizing grassroots support to achieve genuine liberation, stating, “There is no other way.”