Doha: The State of Qatar has welcomed the United Kingdom's imposition of a trade ban on goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, describing the move as an important step in supporting efforts to deter Israel's settlement policies.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the settlement policies constitute a flagrant violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions, most notably UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and Article 8 of the Rome Statute. It stressed that these policies undermine the rights of the Palestinian people and efforts to achieve the two-state solution.

Qatar also welcomed the intention of several countries to join these efforts or discuss taking similar measures in accordance with their national procedures. It said such steps represent a practical translation of international efforts to implement the two-state solution and compel Israel to halt its settlement policies.

The Ministry noted that these developments come amid growing international momentum following the recognition by a number of countries of the independent State of Palestine. Qatar said this momentum contributes to strengthening efforts to establish the Palestinian state on the ground and expressed hope that more countries would take similar steps.

The State of Qatar called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities by compelling Israel to halt its settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories and respect international law and international legitimacy resolutions. The Ministry renewed Qatar's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution. (QNA)