UK Event Markets Homes in West Bank Settlements

An invite-only real estate event held at Edgware United Synagogue in London promoted homes in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Activists who gained access shared photos showing leaflets advertising properties in areas such as Givat Zeev, Tivuch Shelly, and Maale Adumim.

One leaflet described an "exciting new project just 10 minutes from Jerusalem" with homes "some with pools" in Maale Adumim.

Action group who attended under the pseudonym Isabel said the mood at the fair was peaceful and protected by security staff wearing body cameras. She said participants did not mention Palestinians and referred to settlements using terms such as "Anglo-communities" for English-speaking buyers from the United States, the UK, and South Africa.

Isabel added that agents cited the Gaza conflict as a reason to buy, noting that prices had dropped and discounts might be available. She described the atmosphere as similar to a university freshers' fair, with stalls offering free pens and chocolates.

Israeli settlers live in communities built after Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Six-Day War. More than 700,000 settlers now live in 150 settlements and 128 outposts across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

than 100 British legislators signed a letter urging the government to prevent the event from promoting illegal activities. Layla Moran, a British MP, described the sales as "unacceptable". Outside the event, hundreds of protesters gathered and the Metropolitan Police arrested 15 people for public order offences.

A representative from one company said organisers asked agents not to openly advertise properties in the West Bank due to current sensitivities.