LONDON (AP) – The UK government has halted free trade talks with Israel and announced new sanctions aimed at West Bank settlements in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
This decision was made a day after Britain, France, and Canada condemned Israel’s handling of the conflict and occupation in the West Bank.
Foreign Secretary David Lamey stated that while existing trade agreements remain active, the UK cannot continue to engage with the Israeli government and its troubling policies regarding the West Bank and Gaza.
Lamey emphasized that the ongoing violence from extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank necessitates a decisive response.
“The Israeli government must intervene to stop these aggressive actions,” Lamey remarked. “Their continuous inaction is jeopardizing solutions for the Palestinian community and the two-state vision.”
The announcement followed comments from the British Prime Minister Keyer priority on Tuesday, where he escalated his criticism of Israel, deeming the situation in Gaza as “completely unbearable” and consistently calling for a ceasefire.
“Today, we must document the alarming escalation by Israel,” Lamey told the British Parliament.
His brief remarks were preceded by a strong joint condemnation issued on Monday alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the situation in the West Bank.
The three leaders threatened to take “concrete action” if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not cease the new military operations and impose significant limitations on humanitarian aid. Netanyahu countered that the statement was a “huge win” for Hamas.
He reiterated his demand for a ceasefire, stating that it was the only way for Hamas to release the hostages they still hold. He also called for increased humanitarian shipments to Gaza, arguing that the current amount permitted by Israel is “woefully inadequate.”
“This war has dragged on for far too long; we must coordinate our response,” Lamey stated. “We cannot allow the people of Gaza to go hungry.”
International pressure on Israel has intensified following nearly three months of supply blockades in Gaza, raising hunger warnings. Even the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has expressed concern over the escalating hunger crisis.
Israel allowed trucks carrying baby food and urgently needed supplies to enter Gaza on Monday, but UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher characterized the aid as “falling short of the urgent needs.”
Initially, Israel received widespread international backing to eradicate Hamas militants following the surprise attacks by the group on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages.
However, global patience has worn thin after more than 53,000 Palestinians, especially women and children, lost their lives due to Israel’s recent offensives, which local health officials report have resulted in over 300 additional casualties.
In recent weeks, Macron has sought to ramp up diplomatic efforts to pressure Israel, advocating for a ceasefire and the lifting of humanitarian aid blockades.
Last month, during a joint international conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia to address solutions for the region, Macron emphasized that France should progress towards recognizing a Palestinian state. His comments came after visiting an injured Palestinian at El Arish Hospital following a trip to Egypt.
Macron indicated that Palestine’s recognition is not a “taboo” topic for France. Last week, he suggested that a cooperation agreement between the EU and Israel was under consideration.
Tensions have escalated between France and Israel after Macron called for a halt on arms deliveries intended for use in Gaza during an October radio interview, prompting strong backlash from Netanyahu.
France has also attempted to enforce a ban on Israeli defense companies displaying weapons at the Euronabalu trade exhibition.
Source: apnews.com