UK Fair Sells Property in Israeli Settlements Amid International Criticism

Activists Gain Access to Exclusive Israeli Real Estate Event in London

A group of activists gained access to the Great Israeli Real Estate Event, a widely condemned invitation-only gathering held at Edgware United Synagogue in London. The event, part of a roadshow promoting the sale of land and property in Israel, featured properties in areas such as Givat Zeev and Teneh Omarim in the occupied West Bank, as well as settlements in East Jerusalem.

Photos shared by activists with Al Jazeera show property listings for homes in these locations. A leaflet advertising a project in Maale Adumim, a settlement illegal under international law, read: “Exciting new project just 10 minutes from Jerusalem! Some with pools!” The event’s atmosphere was described as peaceful and heavily protected, with plainclothes men fitted with body cameras present.

Activists reported that real estate agents spoke of “Anglo-communities” where English-speaking people from the US, UK, and South Africa could relocate to. They also noted that prices had dropped due to the war on Gaza, making it a good time to buy property in Israel. The event’s layout resembled a university fair, with stalls and social chatter.

Representatives from Israeli real estate company Harey Zahav showed advertisements for properties in Jerusalem and Netanya. Over 100 British legislators signed a letter urging the government to uphold its obligations under international law and ensure the event did not proceed. Layla Moran, a British MP of Palestinian descent, described the sales as “unacceptable.”

Activists reported that some representatives were hesitant to discuss properties in the occupied West Bank, while others openly advertised properties in settlements in occupied Jerusalem on their flyers. An activist was removed from the event after shouting about the sale of property on illegally occupied land. The overall mood inside the fair was calm, with a heavy police presence and security measures in place.

Source: Al Jazeera