Activists who infiltrated the controversial "Great Israeli Real Estate Event" in London have provided Al Jazeera with photos showing properties in illegal settlements being marketed. The invite-only fair, held at Edgware United Synagogue, promoted land and homes in areas such as Givat Zeev and Tivuch Shelly in the occupied West Bank, as well as East Jerusalem settlements.

Leaflets advertised homes in Maale Adumim, a West Bank settlement illegal under international law, as "exciting new project just 10 minutes from Jerusalem, some with pools!" The event was part of a roadshow selling property in Israel, but included occupied territory.

Isabel, a member of Jewish Anti-Zionist Action who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the mood as peaceful but heavily guarded, with plainclothes security wearing body cameras. She said real estate agents referred to "Anglo-communities" for English-speaking buyers from the US, UK, and South Africa, without mentioning Palestinians.

Agents reportedly claimed that due to the war on Gaza, it was a good time to buy as prices had dropped and discounts were possible. Isabel likened the fair to a university freshers' week, with stalls, free pens, and chocolates.

Over 100 British lawmakers, including members of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party, signed a letter urging the government to stop the "illegal activities" and uphold international law. MP Layla Moran, of Palestinian descent, called the sales "unacceptable."

Outside, hundreds of protesters chanted slogans and held signs reading "Stop Israel's illegal sale of stolen Palestinian land." The Metropolitan Police arrested 15 people for various offenses.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the event and called for a police investigation. Israel has built over 700,000 settlers in 150 illegal settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967, widely viewed as illegal under international law.

Source: www.aljazeera.com