Boycotting settlement produce
One of the biggest barriers to peace in the Israeli Palestinian conflict is the presence of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The settlements are illegal under international humanitarian law. They cause harm and poverty to Palestinians and are an obstacle to peace.
The international community, including the UK government and the European Union has repeatedly condemned the settlements. Yet, settlements have grown and prospered. And, despite their illegality, many countries are trading with them.
Goods produced in or sourced from settlements, including fruit and vegetables, processed food, wine and household goods are sold throughout Europe. This trade helps to bolster settlement economies, contributes to the settlements’ permanence and indirectly undermines efforts to achieve peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Quakers in Britain have recently decided to boycott settlement goods. The boycott is a non-violent action designed to support efforts to build peace in the region. It is not directed at Israeli products.
We are also working with others to persuade government and retailers to end this trade.
Take action on the boycott:
Find out what products to avoid and how you can help to persuade more retailers to stop stocking settlement goods: Settlement goods: taking action (what not to buy, list of goods, speaking out) [PDF: 303KB - new window]
Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) partner, the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR) has a model letter on its website which you can use as a basis for your own letters.
To receive the latest information and campaigning opportunities on this issue sign up to our settlement goods boycott email list.
Find out more about settlement produce boycott:
QPSW briefing ‘Trade with Israeli settlements [PDF: new window]’ describes why settlements are an obstacle to peace, provides information about UK and European policy towards trade with settlements and argues that this trade should cease.
Read the press release and minute announcing the boycott and explaining why this decision was taken.
Read QPSW’s response to the UK government’s advice for retailers about the labelling of food products originating in the occupied Palestinian territories issued in 2009.
Further information and resources:
Settlement products: an economic barrier to peace in Quaker News (summer 2009)
'Settlement products: an economic barrier to peace' [PDF: new window]’ in Better World Economics Issue 13 (spring 2009)
