EU to Review Trade Agreement with Israel Amid ‘Catastrophic’ Gaza Situation.
UK Halts Trade Talks with Israel Over Gaza War
UK Government Responds to Escalating Violence in Gaza
The British government has decided to suspend all new free trade negotiations with Israel, citing grave concerns over its military actions in Gaza. In recent days, hundreds of Palestinians have died under relentless airstrikes, a new ground offensive has been launched, and reports of severe food shortages have emerged.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed Parliament on Tuesday, announcing not only the suspension of trade talks but also fresh sanctions against illegal Israeli settler outposts in the occupied West Bank. The UK also summoned Israel’s ambassador to London, Tzipi Hotovely, to express its concerns directly.
UK, France, and Canada Criticize Israel’s Conduct
This move follows coordinated criticism from the UK, France, and Canada over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and raids in the West Bank. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer took a firmer stance on Tuesday, calling the suffering of children in Gaza “utterly intolerable” and renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire.
Sanctions on Settlers and Groups Supporting Violence
As settler violence in the West Bank continues to rise, Lammy said the UK is expanding its sanctions to include:
- Three individuals
- Two illegal settler outposts
- Two organizations promoting violence against Palestinians
While the existing UK-Israel trade agreement remains in place, Lammy emphasized that no new talks will move forward as long as the Israeli government continues its current military and settler policies. “Their failure to act responsibly is placing both Palestinian lives and any hope of a two-state solution at risk,” he said.
Aid Blockade and Military Concerns Raised
The UK also condemned Israel’s 11-week blockade on aid entering Gaza. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer will tell the Israeli ambassador that the aid restriction is “cruel and indefensible,” according to Lammy.
Israel, however, dismissed the UK’s move. The Israeli Foreign Ministry claimed that talks were already stalled and described the new sanctions as “unjustified and regrettable.”
Mounting Pressure Over UK Arms Sales to Israel
Domestic Backlash Against Labour Government
At home, the Labour government is facing criticism for not doing enough to support Palestinians. Weekly pro-Palestine marches in Britain have kept public pressure high. Labour MP Zarah Sultana accused the government of being “complicit” in what she called “a campaign of collective punishment.”
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn echoed these concerns, stating that the only way for the UK to stop being complicit in the violence is to halt all military cooperation with Israel and impose strict sanctions.
Arms Exports Still Flowing Despite Partial Ban
Although the UK has suspended some arms export licenses, it made exceptions for programs like the F-35 fighter jet partnership due to its obligations within international supply chains.
Despite a partial arms embargo that began in September 2024, a report revealed that the UK still sent over 8,600 separate munitions to Israel since then. Newly released government data shows that between October and December 2024, the UK approved £127.6 million ($171 million) worth of military exports to Israel.
Legal experts argue that pausing trade talks is not enough. Gearoid O Cuinn from the Global Legal Action Network, which is suing the UK over weapons sales, said: “It’s not future trade deals that are killing children—it’s the arms being supplied right now.”
European Union Joins UK in Reconsidering Trade Ties
EU Reviews Trade Deal Amid Gaza Crisis
The European Union has also taken a major step, voting to review its trade agreement with Israel in response to what it calls a “catastrophic” situation in Gaza. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the decision following a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.
The review will examine whether Israel is violating its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
France Supports EU Move, Sanctions Stalled by One Country
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot welcomed the decision, stating that 17 of the EU’s 27 countries supported the proposal.
Kallas also noted that while the EU has prepared sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, one unnamed member state is currently blocking their implementation.
“The aid Israel has allowed in is appreciated,” Kallas said, “but it’s nowhere near enough. We need large-scale, immediate, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.”
