Scarlett Johansson has stepped down from her role as ambassador for Oxfam International following its opposition to her role in a Superbowl TV ad for Israeli company SodaStream International, which operates in the West Bank.

Actor Johansson, who has been an ambassador for the charity since 2007, is set to star in a highly lucrative TV advert for SodaStream to be screened during the Superbowl on 2 February.

Earlier in the week, Oxfam International voiced its concerns with her decision, with a statement saying it believes that businesses operating in West Bank settlements perpetuate the ongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that the charity works to support.

It said it was engaging with Johansson on the matter. Yesterday, Johansson announced that she was to resign from her Oxfam ambassador role.

A statement from Johansson's spokesman published on Wednesday announced that the Hollywood star had "respectfully decided to end her ambassador role with Oxfam after eight years", according to the Associated Press.

"She and Oxfam have a fundamental difference of opinion in regards to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. She is very proud of her accomplishments and fundraising efforts during her tenure with Oxfam," it added.

Oxfam maintains that it is opposed to all trade from Israeli settlements because they are illegal under international law.

SodaStream has said its West Bank factory employs 550 Palestinians who are afforded the same benefits as Israeli workers and that the factory is just one of 25 based round the world.