Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded strongly after the U.K. paused free trade discussions due to concerns over Jerusalem’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Simultaneously, the U.K. imposed new sanctions on the West Bank, condemning the ongoing violence by Israeli settlers there.
The ministry asserted that negotiations for the trade agreement were already stalled before the U.K.’s announcement. It also accused the U.K. of harming its own citizens due to “anti-Israel obsession” and domestic political calculations.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that the trade agreement negotiations were not progressing even before the U.K.’s announcement. They added that the agreement would benefit both countries and that the British government was willing to damage its own economy due to anti-Israel sentiment and domestic political considerations.
Israel also criticized the additional sanctions on the West Bank, referencing the recent death of an Israeli woman in a terror attack while she was on her way to the hospital to give birth, noting that doctors are still struggling to save her newborn’s life.
The ministry dismissed the U.K.’s threats, stating that external pressure would not deter Israel from defending itself against those who seek its destruction.
U.K. Foreign Minister David Lammy told British lawmakers that Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariot, marked a “dark new phase in this conflict,” adding that “the Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary.”
Lammy echoed U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call for Israel to allow aid into Gaza. The U.K., France, and Canada issued a joint statement urging Israel to collaborate with the U.N. to ensure the delivery of aid according to humanitarian principles.
The statement warned of further actions if Israel did not halt its military offensive and ease restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Israel stopped the entry of supplies into Gaza 11 weeks prior, but has since resumed allowing some aid. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon stated that the NGOs distributing aid have verified that Hamas has not infiltrated their ranks or seized aid intended for civilians.
While aid is entering Gaza, Israel has been criticized for the strict limitations, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot calling it “insufficient.”
U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, who recently accused Israel of genocide, described the aid as insufficient and called for a significant increase in aid to Gaza.
Fletcher stated that he had received assurances that aid efforts would be facilitated through existing mechanisms. He also acknowledged Israel’s agreement to humanitarian notification measures to reduce security threats during the operation, expressing his determination to ensure aid reaches those in need and to minimize the risk of theft by Hamas or other armed groups.
Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.