LONDON – Britain announced on Tuesday that it has paused negotiations on a new free trade agreement with Israel, summoned the Israeli ambassador, and imposed fresh sanctions on West Bank settlers in response to Israel’s intensifying military campaign in Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis, saying he was “horrified by the escalation from Israel” and reiterating calls for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid.
The Israeli military launched a new ground operation in Gaza last week, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to take full control of the territory. Since March, Israel has blocked essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine from entering Gaza, raising alarm among international observers about an impending famine.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel’s actions and called for an end to the blockade. He criticised certain factions within the Israeli government for promoting “extremism,” stating that such developments are “incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship.” He informed Parliament that the UK had officially suspended trade deal negotiations with the Israeli government.
This move follows a joint statement by Britain, France, and Canada condemning the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and warning of “further concrete actions” if the offensive does not cease. Starmer emphasized that a ceasefire is essential to securing the release of hostages and to alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, who have been displaced and subjected to widespread devastation.
The UK also extended sanctions to include additional individuals and organisations associated with violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. These measures build on previous sanctions introduced in 2024 targeting extremist settlers and groups accused of human rights abuses. Most of the international community, including Britain, considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank to be illegal under international law.
Lammy affirmed Britain’s commitment to holding perpetrators of abuses accountable, saying, “We are demonstrating again that we will continue to act against those who are carrying out heinous abuses of human rights.” According to health authorities in Gaza, the Israeli military campaign has resulted in more than 53,000 deaths and has left the region in ruins.
Netanyahu has defended Israel’s actions as a “war of civilization over barbarism,” pledging to continue the campaign “by just means until total victory.”