UK Pauses Trade Talks With Israel, Summons Envoy Over Gaza Conflict
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Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced his ministry was summoning the Israeli ambassador over the country's expansion of its military operations in Gaza
The British government on Tuesday said it has paused free-trade agreement negotiations with Israel against its actions in Gaza. It said they have also slapped new sanctions on West Bank settlers over the conflict.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy also announced his ministry was summoning the Israeli ambassador over Israel's expansion of its military operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, launched in the wake of the October 2023 attack by Hamas militants.
Israel, however, said even before the UK government's announcement, the free-trade agreement negotiations were 'not being advanced". The Benjamin Netanyahu-led government said it will not bow to 'external pressure" when it comes to 'defending its existence and security against enemies".
According to a statement by the Israeli foreign ministry, sanctions against the residents of Judea and Samaria are 'unjustified, and regrettable". It said the British government is willing to harm its own economy due to 'anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations".
'Following the UK's announcement that it will suspend free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and impose sanctions on settlers: Even prior to today's announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government. More than that, the agreement would serve the mutual benefit of both countries. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its own prerogative," the statement said on X.
'The sanctions against residents of Judea and Samaria are unjustified, and regrettable, especially at a time when Israel is mourning yet another victim of Palestinian terror — Tzeela Gez, of blessed memory, who was murdered on her way to the delivery room. Doctors continue fighting for her newborn's life in hospital. The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction," it added.
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May 20, 2025, 19:30 IST
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