British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a reception, following the UK-EU summit, in London, Britain, May 19, 2025.
London: British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced on Tuesday that the United Kingdom has suspended its trade negotiations with Israel in response to the ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The move comes amid intensifying international pressure on Israel, as concerns grow over the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region. Lammy also confirmed that the Israeli ambassador had been summoned.
The decision follows a strong statement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who condemned the escalating civilian toll in Gaza, calling the suffering "utterly intolerable." Addressing Parliament, Starmer described the continued bombing of innocent civilians, particularly children, as unacceptable. “The level of suffering, innocent children being bombed again, is utterly intolerable,” he said, calling for an “immediate ceasefire” as the only viable path to securing the release of hostages.
Starmer also reiterated Britain's firm opposition to Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank and demanded a significant increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He dismissed Israel’s recent announcement to allow only a limited quantity of food into the enclave as “totally and utterly inadequate.” Stressing the need for a coordinated international response, he said, “This war has gone on for far too long. We cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve.”
On Monday, Britain, France, and Canada issued a joint warning, stating that unless Israel ceases its renewed military offensive and lifts restrictions on aid delivery, they will implement further concrete actions. The joint statement noted that potential measures could include targeted sanctions. The three nations condemned the recent Israeli actions in Gaza as “wholly disproportionate” and made it clear they would not stand by “while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions.”
The statement also urged an end to Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, describing the settlements as illegal and detrimental to the prospect of a viable Palestinian state and the security of both Palestinians and Israelis.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Starmer and his allies of offering Hamas a “huge prize,” and urged European leaders to instead support US President Donald Trump’s proposed vision for resolving the conflict.
With IANS inputs