A British charity supported by Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson says it objects to her new role as a spokesperson for the Israeli firm SodaStream.

Oxfam says it is concerned because the SodaStream factory operates in the West Bank.

Ms Johansson has been an ambassador for the charity since 2007.

In a statement , the charity said: “Oxfam believes that businesses that operate in settlements further the ongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support.

“Oxfam is opposed to all trade from Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law.

“We have made our concerns known to Ms Johansson and we are now engaged in a dialogue on these important issues.”

The 29-year-old actress is expected to appear in a commercial as part of her promotion for SodaSteam during the Super Bowl, the climax of the American football season which is the most watched annual sporting event worldwide.

Pro-Palestinian activists have criticised Ms Johansson's involvement with SodaStream.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has asked people to appeal to Oxfam to drop its connection with the star if she fails “to immediately end her contract with Sodastream”.