Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has voiced strong opposition to the Great Israeli Real Estate event scheduled for this weekend in London. Campaigners allege the property roadshow promotes the sale of land in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Organizers deny these claims, calling them “ridiculous.”
Khan's Response
During Mayor's Question Time on Friday, Khan stated he had contacted the Metropolitan Police and held discussions with the Foreign Office and Home Office after Green Party leader Zack Polanski raised concerns. Khan emphasized, “Israeli settlements in the West Bank are unjustifiable and illegal under international law. They are deeply tied to the ongoing displacement of Palestinians. I condemn any attempt to sell property in the settlements in the West Bank, be that in London or anywhere else in the world.” He added that any allegations of criminality regarding unlawful property sales at the event would be assessed by the Met for potential investigation.
Political Pressure
Nearly 100 MPs and peers have signed a letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, urging her to halt the event. The letter notes that property in Gush Etzion, considered occupied Palestinian territory, will be advertised. It demands that the UK government take all necessary steps to prevent the event from proceeding. Cooper responded that the government would “warn any businesses against associating themselves with potential breaches of international law and with becoming involved in a process that is undermining peace and security in the region.”
Organizer and Criticism
The roadshow is organized by My Home in Israel, a real estate agency targeting overseas buyers. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have criticized the event for openly advertising land in illegal settlements. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over Israeli settlement expansion and its impact on Palestinian rights.
