MPs call for end to real estate event over fear it pushes sale of Israeli settlements | London
More than 100 UK lawmakers are calling for the cancellation of an Israeli real estate event in London scheduled for Sunday. In a letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, 101 parliamentarians and members of the House of Lords argued the event facilitates the sale of land stolen from Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The signatories, including Labour MPs Andy McDonald and Debbie Abrahams, stated the event is “firmly embedded in Israel’s project of colonial expansion.” They urged the government to take all necessary steps to stop the gathering, claiming its proceedings would oppose the UK’s obligations under international law.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also raised concerns, noting he discussed the event with Metropolitan police. The push for cancellation is supported by civil society groups, including Amnesty International UK, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and the Muslim Association of Britain.
Why are UK lawmakers opposing the real estate event?
Lawmakers claim the event advertises the sale of land in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Specifically, the event invited individuals to register interest in Gush Etzion, an area the UK government considers an illegal settlement.
Kristyan Benedict, crisis response manager at Amnesty International, described the event as “apartheid and annexation with a sales pitch.” He argued it is “unthinkable” for the UK government to allow an event that promotes settlement expansion amid rising state-backed settler violence.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has launched a petition urging Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to prevent the event and bring charges against those enabling the sale of Palestinian land.
How have the event organizers responded?
Organizers have denied that the event features land for sale in the West Bank. A spokesperson told the Jewish News that allegations are “ridiculous” and “motivated by anti-Israeli and terrorist supporters.”
The spokesperson asserted that all exhibitors will provide information exclusively about properties and projects within the “Green line.” Following public concerns, the organizers removed mentions of Gush Etzion from their 2026 event page and took down the 2025 website.
The event is billed as a private, invitation-only gathering with free admission. It offers services from mortgage advisers, tax consultants, and insurance agents, and includes a map that does not delineate the occupied West Bank, Gaza, or Syria’s Golan Heights.
What is the UK government’s current position?
A government spokesperson stated that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and “harm prospects for a two-state solution.” The spokesperson added that the Israeli government must end settlement expansion and clamp down on settler violence.
The UK has already taken several official actions regarding the region. In October 2024, the government sanctioned seven organizations supporting illegal settlers. In June 2025, sanctions were placed on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians.
Additionally, the UK joined France, Canada, Germany, and Italy in calling for an end to the construction of settlements that breach international law. On Tuesday, the UK and other western powers imposed sanctions on six firms and one individual for financing settler violence.
What may happen next?
The UK government may introduce updated guidance in the coming days. According to a government spokesperson, this guidance could provide greater clarity to UK businesses on how to avoid ventures that support illegal settlements.
Depending on the government’s response to the lawmakers’ letter, the event could face further legal or administrative challenges before Sunday. If the government decides to align its actions with the demands of the 140 Labour MPs who called for a trade ban on illegal settlements, it could lead to more restrictive policies on settlement-related economic activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific settlement was advertised at the event?
The event invited people to register interest in Gush Etzion, which the UK government considers an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Who expressed opposition to the event in the United States?
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated he “deeply opposed” the real estate expo taking place in New York, according to The Intercept.
What sanctions did the UK impose in June 2025?
The UK government placed sanctions on two Israeli government ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, largely for inciting violence against Palestinians.
Should governments restrict private commercial events that promote activities deemed illegal under international law?