On Monday 15 September, a coalition of more than 80 humanitarian organisations launched an international campaign calling for a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Pax Christi International is also among the participants.

The launch of the campaign coincides with the publication of the joint report, Trading with Illegal Settlements: How Foreign States and Corporations Enable Israel’s Illegal Settlement Enterprise, which highlights how several multinationals — including Barclays, Siemens, Carrefour, Tui, eDreams and Opodo — are or have been involved in supporting the economy of Israel’s illegal settlements.

This stands in direct contradiction to the July 2024 ruling of the International Court of Justice, which unequivocally established that any form of trade, including services and investments, with such settlements is in breach of international law.

The 18-month campaign strongly advocates for measures to bring an end to business relations with illegal settlements and for governments to introduce legislation banning such trade, while at the same time encouraging the promotion and consumption of Palestinian products.

The final joint report is available here in English – French – Spanish – Italian – Arabic

Read here the press release in English – French – Spanish

Cover photo: A section of the wall and Israeli settlements near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.
Credits: Lorenzo Tugnoli