The UK Gaza policy shift has intensified as Britain halts trade negotiations with Israel and imposes new sanctions. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Israel’s Gaza offensive is “morally unjustifiable” and “counterproductive.”
These actions follow dire warnings of mass starvation in Gaza. Israel’s weekend military escalation reignited criticism from global leaders and humanitarian agencies. For 11 weeks, Gaza has faced a blockade on food, fuel, and medicine.
The UK summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to protest the growing humanitarian crisis. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer told her Britain will not tolerate further aggression. He condemned both Israel’s military actions and settler violence in the West Bank.
In Parliament, Lammy denounced recent Israeli statements as extremist and dangerous. He warned that the current course isolates Israel from international partners. He confirmed a pause on free trade talks and the expansion of UK sanctions.
The new sanctions target three individuals and four companies linked to West Bank settler violence. These include asset freezes and travel bans. Lammy insisted such abuses must not go unpunished.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the situation “intolerable” and demanded faster aid delivery. Though Israel allowed five aid trucks through, the UN said that effort barely met urgent needs.
On Tuesday, Israel approved 100 aid trucks, but none reached civilians. The UK joined Canada and France in urging Israel to allow full-scale humanitarian access. A joint statement condemned ongoing military expansion and stressed the need for immediate aid.
Opposition MP Priti Patel criticized the government’s measures, saying they could embolden Hamas. She expressed concern that the steps were welcomed by terrorist groups rather than aiding peace.
Inside Parliament, Labour MPs pushed for stronger action. Some demanded an arms embargo and recognition of Palestine. MP Abtisam Mohamed accused Israel of ethnic cleansing, citing statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Lammy said current arms restrictions ensure compliance with international law. However, he vowed the UK would act again if conditions worsened. Discussions on Palestinian recognition are ongoing with France and Saudi Arabia.
Israeli officials rejected the criticism. Foreign spokesman Oren Marmorstein said external pressure would not alter Israel’s security strategy. He also accused the UK of undermining its own economy for political gain.
Meanwhile, the EU announced plans to review its own trade agreement with Israel. As Israel’s top trading partner, the move could signal broader diplomatic consequences.
The UK Gaza policy shift reflects growing frustration with Israel’s stance and rising global concern over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Britain’s actions mark a turning point in its Middle East diplomacy.
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