UK Freezes Trade Talks with Israel Over Gaza Offensive

The United Kingdom has suspended free trade negotiations with Israel and summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely in protest over the latest Israeli military escalation in Gaza. The announcement on Tuesday also included new sanctions targeting West Bank settlers involved in violence against Palestinians.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza, calling it a “new and dark phase in the conflict.” Over 500 people have been killed in the past eight days alone, according to local medics, as Israel launches a new ground and air campaign in the densely populated enclave.

UK Slams Israeli Remarks and Imposes New Sanctions

Lammy also strongly criticised recent comments by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who called for Gaza to be “cleansed,” destroyed, and for its population to be relocated to third countries. Speaking in Parliament, Lammy labelled the remarks “disgusting extremism” and a “barbaric act.”

In response, the UK government has paused trade deal negotiations with Israel and imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in the West Bank linked to settler violence. This move follows similar sanctions introduced last year.

Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Israel has barred the entry of medical supplies, food, and fuel into Gaza since March, prompting warnings from international experts of an impending famine. On Monday, a limited number of aid trucks were permitted entry.

Palestinian health officials report that Israel’s offensive has devastated the territory, killing over 53,000 people and displacing nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

Mixed Reactions from the UK and Israel

While the UK maintains its support for Israel’s security and right to self-defence following Hamas’ attack on 7 October 2023, Lammy argued that the latest military actions are not the path to securing the release of hostages. He pointed to the temporary ceasefire in January as a more effective approach.

In a joint statement with France and Canada, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep concern over the escalation. Lammy added that further measures may be taken if Israel continues its offensive.

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded defiantly, saying, “The British Mandate ended 77 years ago,” and affirmed that Israel would not be swayed by foreign pressure when it comes to its national defence.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is engaged in a "war of civilisation against barbarism" and vowed to continue the campaign until “complete victory” is achieved.