On Tuesday, Britain paused free-trade negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador to the foreign ministry, marking a significant response to current events in Gaza. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the Israeli government’s actions and statements regarding its military operations in the Palestinian territory have prompted this decision.
In a speech to Britain’s parliament, Lammy announced new UK sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in West Bank settlements.
“The world is judging, history will judge them. Blocking aid, expanding the war, dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop,” he said. Adding that Britain “cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration” and was halting free-trade negotiations with Israel due to the situation in Gaza.
Lammy stated that the United Kingdom would be “reviewing cooperation” with Israel as part of its 2030 roadmap for UK-Israel relations. “The actions of the Netanyahu government have necessitated this review,” Lammy remarked, describing Israel’s blockade on aid entering the strip as “cruel and indefensible.”
Lammy criticized Israel’s plan to displace Gaza’s population and restrict aid, stating it led to a “dark new phase” of conflict. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer announced that Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely would be summoned to the Foreign Office over the escalation of military activity in Gaza.
In its response, the Netanyahu government stated that external pressure will not deter it from defending its existence and security against hostile threats. “External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction,” the government stated.
Lammy reiterated the call for Hamas to release all remaining Israeli hostages taken on that day “immediately and unconditionally,” restating that Hamas “cannot continue to govern Gaza.”
