The Peace Pledge Union responds to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's announcement of sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements.

The UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's announcement of sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements, and his naming of evidence of ethnic cleansing, are a step in the right direction. This is a testament to continued pressure from the Palestine solidarity movement, which has consistently demanded an end to the UK government's complicity in the conflict.

But this shift in the government's position follows years of foot dragging, during which evidence of genocide has been staring decision-makers in the face. The government has only been brought to this position belatedly and reluctantly. In that time, countless Palestinians have been displaced, killed and tortured. The UK and the international community must do more to end the genocide and build a peace that lasts through dialogue and diplomacy. While they are welcome, the sanctions do not go far enough.

The new restrictions will not cover F-35 components - still the largest part of the UK's arms trade with Israel - or the licences that let UK-made parts be routed to Israel via third countries with little oversight. Nor is it clear whether they will include incorporation licenses, which make up the bulk of Israel's single export licences, and which feeds millions into its billion dollar, booming arms industry. We are calling for a full, two-way arms embargo.

The government has named ethnic cleansing in illegal settlements in the West Bank, but still leaves international courts to decide whether Israel's actions in Gaza constitute a genocide. Those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable. We must keep up the pressure. To those of you who have marched for the past three years, protested against arms companies, held vigils for peace and worn a white poppy to honour victims of the genocide - thank you. Non-violent resistance across the Palestine solidarity movement has been effective. But we cannot stop now.

We need to let our government know we are pushing for more change so that these sanctions are not merely symbolic. Keep taking to the streets, keep calling for an end to genocide and occupation, and keep standing up for peace.

If you can, join the National March for Palestine on 10 October in London. Full information here

(Photo by Harrisun S on Unsplash)