Ankara: UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese on Tuesday welcomed the UK government's new stance of imposing a trade ban on goods from illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, describing it as a 'much-needed beginning.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Albanese expressed her support in a post on the US social media platform X, stating, "I welcome the stance taken by the UK government on Israel's occupation and its illegality. A much-needed beginning, even if it does not yet reverse all policies undermining Palestinian self-determination. May the UK government and people hold firm. The pressure will be fierce."

Her remarks came in response to British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's announcement that the UK would impose a ban on imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Miliband cited the 'ethnic cleansing of Palestinians' as a critical factor in the decision.

Addressing lawmakers in the House of Commons, Miliband emphasized that the announcement marked the 'beginning of a new approach' toward Israel. He indicated that legislation introducing the import ban would be enacted within six to nine months, with additional immediate measures to follow.

Miliband clarified that the steps are designed to send a 'clear message' that Britain would not support actions undermining the two-state solution. He noted, however, that the sanctions regime will specifically target illegal settlements and settlement expansion, rather than Israel itself.