Ramallah, July 19 (QNA) - The State of Palestine has welcomed the Belgian government's decision to ban imports originating from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem.

It described the move as a significant step that is consistent with international law.

In a statement on Sunday, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the decision underscores Belgium's commitment to the principles of international justice and respect for international law, affirming that it aligns with the advisory opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the unlawful Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem.

Subsequently, the statement said this emanates from the obligation on states not to recognize the unlawful situation arising from the occupation and settlement activity, or provide any kind of aid in sustaining it, and calls for this obligation to include all commercial, economic, financial, investment and service-related activities linked to illegal settlements.

The statement added that this decision underlines the fact that respecting international law is neither political rhetoric nor a theoretical obligation, but rather a legal duty that requires taking practical measures, legislation and policies to ensure that no contribution is made, directly or indirectly, to the system of occupation or colonization, ultimately confirming its discontinuation.

The Ministry clarified that it continues to monitor the ongoing debates within the European Union and works with countries to implement similar measures aimed at banning trade with Israeli settlements.

It further welcomed the growing European support for these legal actions as a practical manifestation of the aforementioned advisory opinion and an essential step to ensure that the colonial settlement system doesn't benefit from commercial relations with countries.

On Saturday, the Belgian government announced a ban on products imported from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Belgian media outlets reported that the Federal Cabinet made the decision during its final meeting before the summer recess, following discussions on the issue of imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

However, the Belgian government hasn't yet announced any mechanism for implementing the decision or set a date for its entry into force. (QNA)