UK Ends Trade Negotiations with Israel for Gaza

The UK sanctioned Israeli settlers, stopped trade negotiations with the country, and summoned the ambassador, condemning the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza on Tuesday, May 20.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel's military offensive as "morally wrong," highlighting the severe impact on civilians and the blockade hindering humanitarian aid.

He said, "We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous, it is repellent...I condemn it in the strongest possible terms."

The foreign secretary has sanctioned seven settler entities in the West Bank, including three people and four organisations, which include activist Daniella Weiss, who recently featured in Louis Theroux's documentary. 

Lammy also emphasized that Israel must end its aid blockade now, since humanitarian groups have stressed that 500 shipments are required to enter Gaza each day to avert the humanitarian crisis and impending famine in the enclave.

The announcement came after a limited amount of aid trucks were allowed into Gaza recently. 

The British foreign secretary also announced a pause to the Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Israel. He said, "While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza."

Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, has been summoned to the Foreign Office. 

Previously, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined France and Canada in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The call came after the three countries released a joint statement, threatening Israel with sanctions.