EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, LONDON – Britain’s support for Palestine, announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, has drawn global attention.
The policy has also prompted a response from the Muhammadiyah Special Branch Board of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The organization welcomed the British government’s decision, particularly its sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, describing the move as appropriate and consistent with the values upheld by Muslim communities, including Muhammadiyah.
Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir, Chairperson of PCIM UK and Ireland, said the policy was a step worth recognizing. She and her colleagues also reaffirmed their support for Palestinian independence and for efforts to advance world peace.
“For us, this is a courageous decision. It shows that Britain is not stopping at condemnation, but is translating that position into concrete policies to support the Palestinian people, something that has remained insufficiently implemented in many countries,” Ince Dian said in a media release Wednesday (9/9).
The British government’s measures include several key provisions.
First, before Parliament, the foreign secretary announced a ban on imports of all goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements, as well as the suspension of export licenses for arms to Israel.
Second, companies and individuals that support settlement expansion through construction or financial services will also face measures. The British government has also formally stated that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is illegal under international law.
“Miliband described the policy as a ‘comprehensive reset’ of Britain’s relations with Israel and stressed that extremist settlers have carried out ethnic cleansing against Palestinians in the West Bank,” Ince Dian said.
She added that France and Canada had taken similar steps alongside Britain, also declaring their support for the independence and freedom of the Palestinian people.
Positive Policy Still Needs Public Oversight
Despite receiving broad support, PCIM noted that the measures will not take full effect for another six to nine months.
Susana Widyaningsih, Secretary of PCIM UK and Ireland, said the implementation period must be closely monitored to ensure that the policy is carried out consistently and sustainably.
“These sanctions are important. That is why we should maintain public attention so that the policy does not remain merely on paper,” Susana said.
Meski banyak memperoleh dukungan, PCIM menyatakan bahwa kebijakan tersebut baru beerlaku penuh dalam enam hingga sembilan bulan ke depan.
For PCIM UK and Ireland, the British government’s policy is a positive signal of growing international support for the Palestinian cause. It also highlights the role countries can play in upholding international law and humanitarian values.
PCIM UK and Ireland hopes the move will be followed by more consistent and concrete policies to ensure the Palestinian people’s rights to independence, freedom and a dignified life are protected. (Bhisma)
