UK threatens Israel with ‘further concrete actions' over Gaza offensive, aid restrictions
LONDON, June 6 — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer yesterday warned Israel of 'further concrete actions' over its Gaza offensive and restrictions on aid after a meeting in London with Jordan's King Abdullah II.
'The Prime Minister reiterated that if Israel did not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, the UK and its partners would take further concrete actions in response,' a spokesperson for his Downing Street office said in a statement.
The two leaders discussed 'the gravity of the intolerable situation in Gaza' and 'concerning developments' in the West Bank.
The statement added it was 'vital' a sustainable ceasefire be secured, as well as the release of all hostages, and called for humanitarian aid delivery 'at speed and volume'.
Britain last month suspended free-trade negotiations with Israel and summoned its ambassador to the foreign ministry over Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of 'egregious actions and rhetoric' over its expansion of military operations in the Palestinian territory.
During an impassioned speech to Britain's parliament, Lammy also said the UK government was imposing new sanctions on individuals and organisations involved in settlements in the West Bank.
Lammy said Britain 'cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration' in Gaza and was pausing negotiations with Israel on a trade agreement.
On Wednesday, the UK government called for an 'immediate and independent investigation' into a string of deadly incidents at aid distribution sites in the Gaza Strip this week.
Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer said the deaths of Palestinians as they sought food were 'deeply disturbing' and called Israel's new measures for aid delivery 'inhumane'. — AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
India hails ‘milestone' trade deal in talks with visiting British FM
British foreign minister David Lammy is on a two-day visit to India. (EPA Images pic) NEW DELHI : Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said today a trade deal with Britain was 'truly a milestone' that will boost bilateral ties as he welcomed his counterpart David Lammy to New Delhi. India and Britain struck a long-delayed free trade agreement last month after negotiations were re-launched in February. Britain has sought to bolster trade ties across the world since it left the European Union under Brexit, a need that became more pressing after the US unleashed a global tariff blitz that risks causing weaker economic growth. 'The recent conclusion of the India-UK FTA… is truly a milestone which will not only propel our two-way trade and investment but will also have a positive effect on other strategic aspects of our bilateral ties,' Jaishankar said after meeting Lammy, who is on a two-day visit. 'It would also contribute to the strengthening of supply and value chains,' he said. The accord will slash tariffs on imports of UK goods into India, including whisky, cosmetics and medical devices. In exchange, Britain will cut tariffs on imports of clothes, footwear and food products, including frozen prawns, from India. Britain and India are the sixth and fifth-largest global economies respectively, with a trade relationship worth around £41 billion and investment supporting more than 600,000 jobs across both countries. They hope the free-trade agreement will increase trade between them by about £25.5 billion, as well as boost the British economy and wages. Talks were re-launched in February after stalling under Britain's previous Conservative administrations. Lammy said before his visit the deal with India was 'just the start of our ambitions'.
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Israel retrieves body of Thai national kidnapped by Hamas during October 7 attack
JERUSALEM, June 7 — Israeli forces have retrieved from the Gaza Strip the body of Natthapong Pinta, a Thai taken hostage during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, officials said Saturday. A military statement said the army and the Shin Bet security agency carried out an operation on Friday and 'recovered the body of Natthapong Pinta from the Rafah area' of southern Gaza. 'Nattaphong Pinta was abducted alive by terrorists... from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and was murdered while in captivity,' the statement alleged, blaming the Mujahideen Brigades, an armed group close to Hamas ally Islamic Jihad. Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that the hostage's body was 'returned to Israel' in 'a special operation' in the Rafah area. 'Natthapong came to Israel from Thailand to work in agriculture, out of a desire to build a better future for himself and his family,' Katz said. He was 'brutally murdered in captivity by the terrorist organisation Mujahideen Brigades', the minister charged. The military statement alleged that the militant group which stormed Nir Oz during Hamas's 2023 attack was to blame for the deaths of several other hostages. 'The murderous Mujahideen terrorist organisation abducted, held and murdered Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, whose bodies were returned as part of the last hostage deal, as well as the bodies of Gad Haggai and Judi Lynn Weinstein, which were returned earlier this week,' the statement said. 'The Mujahideen terrorist organisation has also murdered and is holding the body of another foreign national,' it added. The statement said Natthapong's family and Thai officials had been notified of the operation to recover his body. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum campaign group urged Israeli authorities in a statement to 'do what is needed to reach an agreement' to free the remaining captives. Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas's attack that triggered the Gaza war, 55 remain in captivity, including 31 the Israeli military says are dead. According to the Nir Oz community, 117 residents were killed and more than 60 percent of its houses destroyed during the Hamas attack. The 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, at least 54,677 people have been killed in the territory since the start of the war, also mostly civilians. — AFP
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Postecoglou sacked by Spurs despite ending trophy drought
Ange Postecoglou earned rave reviews for his 'Angeball' style of attacking play. (AP pic) LONDON : Ange Postecoglou was sacked as Tottenham manager on Friday, just 16 days after the Australian ended the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League. Postecoglou led Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao to clinch the north Londoners' first European prize in 41 years and secure a place in next season's Champions League. But the Australian paid the price for Tottenham's worst domestic season since they were relegated from the top flight in 1976-77. 'Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,' a statement on Tottenham's official X account said. Exactly two years after he was hired from Celtic, Postecoglou's eventful spell in north London was brought to a ruthless end by chairman Daniel Levy. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. 'The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place,' the statement said. 'Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.' 'It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.' 'This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude.' 'We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.' Postecoglou had forcefully defended his track record during the season and bristled at the constant questions over his future after his trophy success. He clashed with Tottenham fans during a defeat at Chelsea when he cupped his ear to them in a defiant gesture after a goal that was eventually disallowed. That blunder encapsulated his turbulent time in north London, but the 59-year-old bowed out gracefully. 'My overriding emotion is one of pride. The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime,' he said in a statement released moments after his sacking. 'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.' 'Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. We are forever connected.' Tottenham were ravaged by injuries and in the latter stages of the campaign Postecoglou focused on keeping his key players fit and fresh for the Europa League. The gamble paid off but even securing Tottenham's first trophy since the 2008 League Cup was not enough to save him. He becomes the fifth manager sacked by Levy in the past six years. Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva, Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are reportedly the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. Postecoglou made a blistering start to his Tottenham career, earning rave reviews for his 'Angeball' style of attacking play. However, a string of defeats at the end of the season blew a golden opportunity to qualify for the Champions League. In September 2024, Postecoglou boldly stated that he 'always wins things' in his second year. He delivered on that pledge but even the euphoria from the Europa League win could not save him from the axe. Postecoglou had largely retained the support of his players and Tottenham defender Pedro Porro saluted his efforts. 'Thank you for everything, boss. I'll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows,' Porro said. 'Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club's history and for that, you'll always be celebrated.'
