The United Kingdom has paused trade negotiations with Israel and imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, citing what it calls Israel’s “morally unjustifiable” and “wholly disproportionate” military operation in Gaza.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, addressing lawmakers on Tuesday, criticised Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza, warning that the conflict had entered “a dark new phase.” Lammy stressed the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense following the October 7 Hamas attacks but condemned the continued blockade and displacement of Gazans.
“For 11 weeks Israeli forces have blockaded Gaza, leaving the World Food Programme without any – any – remaining stocks,” Lammy said. “Netanyahu’s government is planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the strip and permit them a fraction of the aid they need.”
The move follows a joint threat by the UK, France, and Canada to take “concrete actions,” including sanctions, if Israel does not cease its military operations and allow adequate humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Since May 5, Israel has ramped up its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared plans to “take control of the entire Gaza Strip.” Hundreds have been killed, and aid flow was almost entirely blocked for 11 weeks—until Monday, when just five trucks were allowed in, far short of the 500 needed daily, according to aid agencies.
The UK Foreign Office also summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipura Hotovely over the escalation in Gaza and rising settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
In addition to pausing trade talks, Lammy announced new sanctions on seven entities linked to Israeli settler violence. “We are imposing sanctions on a further three individuals and four entities involved in the settler movement,” he told Parliament, vowing continued action against “heinous abuses of human rights.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move, calling it “puzzling, unjustified, and particularly regrettable,” and said the country would not be swayed by international pressure. “If, due to anti-Israel obsession and internal political considerations, the British government is willing to harm its own economy — that is its decision,” it said in response to the trade halt.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns continue to grow. The United Nations has warned that one in five people in Gaza are facing starvation, accusing Israel of using hunger as a weapon of war. Though Israel has agreed to let a limited amount of aid in — including a pledge to allow “around 100” trucks — aid officials say it remains insufficient.
“The situation is dire,” said Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office. Video footage showed trucks beginning to cross into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, but access remains tightly controlled.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the initial aid deliveries “totally insufficient,” as international pressure mounts on Israel to open humanitarian corridors and end the blockade.
Chioma Kalu
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