UK Suspends Trade Talks, Sanctions Israeli Settlers Over Gaza Aid Crisis
The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced the suspension of trade negotiations with Israel and imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlers and organizations accused of inciting violence in the West Bank. The move came as British officials condemned Israel’s continued military offensive in Gaza and monthslong blockade of humanitarian aid, describing the situation as “intolerable” and accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of isolating Israel internationally.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the pause in free trade talks was “necessary” given what he described as “egregious” policies pursued by the Israeli government in Gaza and the West Bank. Speaking to lawmakers, Lammy declared, “The conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government.” He warned that Israel’s actions were “undermining the interests of the Israeli people and damaging the image of the State of Israel in the eyes of the world.”
The sanctions target three individuals and four entities linked to violence against Palestinians and unauthorized settlement expansion. Among them is Daniella Weiss, founder of the Nachala Israel Movement, which promotes new Jewish outposts in the West Bank and calls for the resettlement of Gaza. Other sanctioned entities include Libi Construction and Infrastructure, Coco’s Farm, and two illegal outposts. Those named face travel bans, financial restrictions, and business prohibitions.
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Lammy also summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to the Foreign Office, where UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer told her the ongoing blockade of Gaza was “cruel and indefensible.” Only five trucks of aid had entered Gaza the day before, compared to the 500 trucks per day needed to sustain the enclave’s population. Lammy said Netanyahu’s plan to allow only “just enough” aid to avoid famine was unacceptable.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the humanitarian situation “intolerable” and warned that “the bombardment, including of children, and the prospect of starvation” were pushing Gaza into deeper catastrophe.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions, calling them “puzzling, unjustified, and particularly regrettable,” and accused the UK of harming its own economy due to “anti-Israel obsession.” The ministry added, “External pressures will not divert Israel from its path in its struggle for its existence and security against enemies working to destroy it.”
As of this week, only a fraction of the humanitarian aid needed has entered Gaza, while Israeli military operations continue in the north and south. Netanyahu has vowed to take control of the entire Strip, saying the limited resumption of aid was necessary to “maintain international support.”
Meanwhile, international concern continues to mount. Canadian, French, and UK leaders warned they are prepared to take further “concrete actions” if Israel does not halt its offensive and fully restore aid access. UN officials estimate one in five Gazans now face starvation.
