UK suspends trade deal talks with Israel, summons ambassador over new Gaza offensive
"The conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government," said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Israel Foreign Ministry responds: "If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its own prerogative."
British Foreign Minister David Lammy is set to announce the pausing of trade deal negotiations with Israel, the government said on Tuesday, adding that it had also summoned Israel's ambassador over its expansion of military operations in Gaza.
Addressing MPs in Parliament, Lammy said the "threat of starvation is hanging over hundreds of thousands of civilians" in Gaza, which he went on to call "abominable".
In the address, the secretary announced that the UK has suspended negotiations with the Israeli government on a new free trade agreement, and that the Israeli ambassador has been summoned by the UK government "to convey this message".
"I say now to the people of Israel, we want I want a strong friendship with you based on shared values and with flourishing ties between our people and societies. We are unwavering in our commitment to your security and to your future, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism. But the conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government," he said.
He also threatened that "if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further action in response."
Earlier this week, the IDF announced a "broad" ground operation in several areas of the Gaza Strip as part of a major new offensive. IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said five divisions are now operating inside the Strip. "We are entering a new stage in the fighting. During the operation, we will increase and expand our operational control in Gaza, while bisecting the Strip and moving the population for its safety in all the areas where we operate," he said.
The operation has attracted firm responses from Israel's allies, notably the UK, France, and Canada. In a joint statement, the countries' leaders condemned the operations and called for restrictions on aid to be lifted.
"I want to put on record today that we're horrified by the escalation from Israel," British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told parliament.
Gaza health authorities, which are operated by Hamas and cannot be verified or trusted, claim that more than 53,000 people have died in Gaza and that 2.3 million residents have been displaced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was fighting in a "war of civilization over barbarism" and confirmed it would "continue to defend itself by just means until total victory."
Following the announcement, the Israel Foreign Ministry responded: "Even prior to today’s announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government. More than that, the agreement would serve the mutual benefit of both countries. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its own prerogative.
"The sanctions against residents of Judea and Samaria are unjustified, and regrettable, especially at a time when Israel is mourning yet another victim of Palestinian terror — Tzeela Gez, of blessed memory, who was murdered on her way to the delivery room. Doctors continue fighting for her newborn’s life in hospital.
"The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction."
Reuters contributed to this report.
