UK Suspends Trade Talks with Israel, Sanctions West Bank Settlers in Support of Palestine

UK Suspends Trade Talks with Israel, Sanctions West Bank Settlers in Support of Palestine
London, May 20, 2025 (AP) — Within hours of pledging to take “tough measures” if Israel failed to halt its latest military offensive in Gaza, the United Kingdom on Tuesday suspended free trade negotiations with Israel and imposed sanctions on certain West Bank settlers.

A near three-month blockade on aid deliveries to Gaza has triggered famine warnings and increased pressure on Israel from its allies. Even the United States, Israel’s closest partner, has expressed concerns over the deepening humanitarian crisis.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the UK can no longer pursue trade talks with Israel due to its “brazen policies” in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

“History will judge them,” Lammy said. “Blocking aid, expanding the war, ignoring the concerns of friends and allies — these actions are indefensible. And they must stop.” He announced new sanctions against three individuals, two illegal settlements, and two organizations accused of promoting violence.

Lammy added that these illegal Israeli settlements are expanding in the West Bank “with state support.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein called the sanctions “unjustified and regrettable,” stating that the free trade negotiations with the UK were already not progressing.

The announcement followed remarks from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the suffering of Gaza’s children as “utterly intolerable” and reiterated calls for a ceasefire.

“We are appalled by Israel’s escalation,” Starmer said. “This war has gone on far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve.” He added that the amount of aid entering Gaza was “wholly insufficient,” and a ceasefire remained the only viable path to securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

On Monday, Israel allowed a limited number of aid trucks into Gaza, including child food and emergency supplies. However, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher dismissed it as “a drop in the ocean compared to the need.” Israel confirmed that more trucks entered on Tuesday.

Israel initially received widespread international support after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 others. However, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 53,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have since been killed in Israeli operations.

French President Emmanuel Macron has also increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, calling for a ceasefire and demanding that the humanitarian blockade be lifted. He has hinted at recognizing the State of Palestine in June, during an international conference that France and Saudi Arabia are expected to co-host.

The US, France, EU, UK, and Canada have previously imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. However, the real-world impact of those sanctions has reportedly been limited.