UK stops trade talks with Israel as international criticism grows over Gaza offensive

The United Kingdom has announced the suspension of ongoing free trade negotiations with Israel, imposed new sanctions on individuals linked to settlements in the West Bank, and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the military operations currently taking place in Gaza.

These actions mark a firm diplomatic response to Israel’s continued escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories.

The announcement came after a joint condemnation issued by the UK, France, and Canada. The statement criticised the Israeli government for what was described as deeply troubling actions in Gaza and called for an immediate change in approach.

This joint message reflected growing frustration among Israel’s allies, many of whom have become increasingly critical of the war’s impact on civilians.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that while the current trade deal with Israel remains in place, any progress toward a new agreement has been paused.

He said it was not possible to continue trade discussions with a government that is pursuing what he called dangerous and inflammatory policies in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Lammy emphasised that the Israeli government must take responsibility for the situation and intervene to stop further violence. He noted that repeated inaction from Israel was placing Palestinian lives at risk and undermining prospects for a two-state solution.

“The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions; their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril,” he said.

He drew particular attention to rising violence in the West Bank, where radical Israeli settlers have continued attacks on Palestinian communities. He said the government’s failure to respond effectively to these incidents was unacceptable and contributed to regional instability.

The UK’s decision to summon the Israeli ambassador was a direct response to the intensification of military operations in Gaza.

These operations have escalated significantly since the October 2023 attack, but criticism has shifted to focus on Israel’s ongoing offensive and the resulting civilian toll.

In Parliament, Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the Israeli actions. He described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as severe and the suffering of children as unacceptable. He repeated his call for a ceasefire and demanded immediate steps to relieve civilian hardship.

“I want to put on record today that we’re horrified by the escalation from Israel, we cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve,” Starmer told Parliament.

He stressed that the violence must end and highlighted the need for a coordinated international response to address the growing emergency in Gaza.

This message was echoed in a joint statement released earlier by Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The statement represented one of the strongest rebukes of Israeli policy by its close allies since the start of the conflict.

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The three leaders warned that they could impose further diplomatic or economic measures if Israel does not halt its offensive and allow greater access for humanitarian aid.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the statement, reportedly describing it as a political win for Hamas.

Starmer also argued that a ceasefire is essential for the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. He criticised the limited delivery of aid into Gaza and said the current levels were far below what was needed to meet basic human needs.

The blockade of Gaza has now lasted for nearly three months. Aid agencies report that conditions have worsened dramatically, with shortages affecting all aspects of civilian life.

On Monday, Israeli authorities allowed a small shipment of supplies to enter the territory, but United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the assistance was nowhere near enough.

The health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 53,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, most of them women and children. In this week's series of Israel’s attacks alone, over 300 people were reportedly killed. These figures have raised alarm globally, including among countries that have previously stood closely with Israel.