UK halts Israel trade talks, imposes new West Bank sanctions
The British government has suspended free trade talks with Israel and summoned the ambassador in response to the offensive in the Gaza Strip. London will also impose sanctions on settlers in the West Bank.
What do you need to know?
- Suspension of trade talks: The United Kingdom is halting free trade negotiations with Israel due to military actions in the Gaza Strip.
- Sanctions on settlers: London plans to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers for violence in the West Bank.
- Call for humanitarian aid: The British government calls for the blockade of the Gaza Strip to be lifted to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries.
Why is the United Kingdom suspending trade talks?
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK government is suspending free trade talks with Israel. This decision is in response to Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip, which the minister stated "destroys relations" between the countries. Lammy emphasized that the offensive is not the appropriate way to free hostages and called for the blockade, which prevents the delivery of humanitarian aid, to be lifted.
What are the international reactions?
The day before, in a joint statement, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada expressed their concern over Israel's actions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock over the military escalation in parliament and announced coordinated actions with France and Canada. Starmer stressed that people in Gaza cannot be allowed to starve.
What do the sanctions on settlers mean?
London plans to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers for acts of violence in the West Bank. Minister Lammy noted that it is the Israeli government's responsibility to intervene and stop these aggressive behaviours. The sanctions are part of a broader strategy aimed at putting pressure on Israel to change its approach to the conflict.
