Oxfam urges Belgium to make import ban on Israeli settlements effective
Oxfam has called on the Belgian government to move ahead with plans to ban imports from Israeli-occupied territories, warning that the measure risks becoming an “empty promise” unless it is backed by robust enforcement.
The appeal comes as the federal government is expected to take a final decision in the coming days on legislation that would restrict imports from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. The proposal stems from the “Gaza agreement” reached by the previous government in September 2024, which included a commitment to introduce sanctions against Israel and ban trade with illegal settlements.
According to Oxfam, citing United Nations figures, the Israeli army and settlers have killed more Palestinians in the West Bank over the past three years than in the previous 17 years combined.
Between 2006 and the end of 2022, 1,036 Palestinians, including 225 children, were killed by Israeli forces or settlers. Between 2023 and the end of 2025, that figure rose to 1,244, including 268 children.
During the same period from 2006 to 2022, Palestinians killed 86 Israeli settlers, including 12 children. Over the past three years, 43 Israeli settlers, including 10 children, were killed.
“The increasing number of murders of civilians in the West Bank is tragic and horrific,” said Bushra Khalidi, head of Humanitarian Policy at Oxfam International. “While the eyes of the world were focused on Gaza, the attacks on the West Bank have accelerated.”
Debate over scope
The draft legislation has been under discussion within the government for months. According to reports, ministers are still debating several aspects of the measure, including which occupied territories should be covered, whether the ban should be renewed annually and how compliance will be monitored.
One key concern is enforcement. Experts have warned that, without effective controls, products from Israeli settlements could still enter Belgium through other EU member states or be relabelled as originating from Israel proper.
Oxfam fears that delays or loopholes could undermine the effectiveness of the measure.
“It is high time for the De Wever government to put words into action. We call on the responsible Economy minister, David Clarinval, to guarantee that the text currently being prepared is not delayed or watered down, and that it leads to an effective ban on this trade,” said Eva Smets, director of Oxfam Belgium.
Umm al-Khair in the occupied West Bank, May 2026 © PHOTO MOSAB SHAWER / MEI / SIPA
Related news
