UK Pauses Free Trade Talks With Israel; Announces Sanctions Over West Bank Settlers

A day after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Israel for continuing the despicable war on Gaza, the British government on Tuesday announced suspension of free trade negotiations with Israel. They also implemented new sanctions targeting West Bank settlements as it criticizes Israel's military actions in Gaza.

On Monday, similar criticism came from French PM Emmanuel Macron and Canadian PM Mark Carney as well who unanimously condemned Israel for its "egregious actions" in Gaza and the decision for fresh military offensive in the Palestinian territory.  

According to the Associated Press, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the UK’s existing trade agreement is in effect but the government can’t continue discussions with an Israeli government pursuing what he called egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza.

Lammy further asserted that the prevailing persistent cycle of violence by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank demanded action.

“The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions,” Lammy said while adding, “Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.”

Starmer, Macron, Carney Criticise Israel

On Monday, Starmer ramped up his criticism of Israel saying the level of suffering by children in Gaza was “utterly intolerable" and repeated his call for a ceasefire. “I want to put on record today that we’re horrified by the escalation from Israel”, he told the UK's Parliament.

Starmer's remarks was a part of a joint condemnation he issued Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney where the three leaders threatened to take “concrete actions” if the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not cease its renewed military offensive and significantly lift restrictions on humanitarian aid.