In response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the UK has announced the suspension of new free trade negotiations with Israel. This decision was made after the recent escalation in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed due to airstrikes and a new ground operation, alongside severe food shortages caused by aid blockages.
The British government confirmed on Tuesday (May 21) that it would halt discussions on a new free trade agreement with Israel. The suspension follows the military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, where Israel’s policies have drawn significant criticism.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, while addressing Parliament, stated that the UK would impose additional sanctions on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. He also announced that Israel’s ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely, had been summoned to the Foreign Office to discuss the ongoing situation.
The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, sharply criticized Israel, calling the suffering of children in Gaza “completely unbearable” and reiterated his call for a ceasefire. He also mentioned the rising violence by Israeli settlers, particularly in the West Bank, and the need for action to address the ongoing cycle of violence.
In addition to the new sanctions, which target three individuals, two illegal settlement locations, and two organizations supporting violence against Palestinians, Lammy said that Israel’s current trade agreement with the UK remains in effect. However, no new negotiations would take place due to Israel’s “extremely reprehensible policies” in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel swiftly condemned the UK’s decision, calling the sanctions “unjustified and unfortunate.” The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the UK had already been slow in advancing free trade negotiations prior to the announcement.
