Israel slams UK for halting free trade talks, imposing sanctions on West Bank

Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a scathing response after the U.K. suspended free trade talks and imposed new sanctions on the West Bank over Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza. The ministry asserted that the free trade agreement negotiations were already at a standstill before London’s announcement, accusing the U.K. of prioritizing its “anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations” over the mutual benefit of both countries.

The U.K.’s decision to suspend trade talks came in the wake of Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariot, which Foreign Minister David Lammy described as marking a “dark new phase in this conflict.” Lammy emphasized that the Netanyahu government’s actions had made the suspension necessary, echoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s demand for Israel to allow aid to flow into the Gaza Strip.

In response to the suspension of trade talks and the imposition of sanctions on the West Bank, Israel criticized the U.K.’s stance, asserting that external pressure would not divert Israel from defending its existence and security against enemies seeking its destruction. The ministry also condemned the U.K.’s threats and emphasized that the British Mandate had ended 77 years ago, affirming Israel’s sovereignty and determination.

Israel has faced backlash over its restrictions on aid entering Gaza, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot deeming the aid insufficient and calling for more substantial assistance. Despite allowing limited aid into Gaza, Israel has been urged to permit a greater flow of humanitarian aid to alleviate the crisis in the region.

While aid distribution remains a contentious issue, Israel has worked to ensure that aid reaches those in need while minimizing the risk of diversion by Hamas or other armed groups. The U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Tom Fletcher, expressed gratitude for Israel’s cooperation in facilitating aid delivery and stressed the importance of increasing assistance to address the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.

As tensions escalate between Israel and the U.K. over the handling of the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely. The resumption of aid distribution and efforts to address the humanitarian crisis remain key priorities as both sides navigate diplomatic challenges and seek to find a path towards peace and stability in the region.