The UK has suspended free trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on three individuals, two illegal Israeli settlements, and two organizations supporting violence against the Palestinian community over the country’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the government could not continue talks on upgrading its existing trade agreement with an Israeli government pursuing “egregious policies” in Gaza and the West Bank. He described the blockade of supplies into Gaza as “indefensible” and called for a ceasefire to end the suffering of civilians.
The move comes after pressure from close allies, including the US, France, and Canada, who have voiced concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israeli Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely was summoned to the Foreign Office, where Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer called the 11-week blockade “cruel and indefensible.”
The EU is also reviewing an EU pact governing trade ties with Israel over its conduct of the war in Gaza. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said a majority of member nations are keen on sending a message that the suffering of Palestinians is “untenable.”
Sanctions against West Bank settlers were imposed due to their involvement in spreading across the West Bank, supported by the Israeli government. The UK also announced measures to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The move has been welcomed by some but criticized by others who call for stronger action, including economic sanctions and recognition of a Palestinian state. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described children’s suffering in Gaza as “utterly intolerable” and called for a ceasefire.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/uk-starmer-israel-gaza-criticism-acabcdb4da0f1368f7e8a471cf494c0e