Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounces Netanyahu’s actions as “atrocious” and demands a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid, while Israel accuses the UK of an “anti-Israel obsession.”
Soldecanarias.net / London
The United Kingdom has announced the suspension of negotiations for a new bilateral trade agreement with Israel, in a strong diplomatic move prompted by the intensification of Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy made the announcement in Parliament on Tuesday, accusing the Netanyahu government of pursuing an “atrocious policy” that has pushed Gaza’s humanitarian crisis to the brink.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking in the House of Commons, said the UK is “horrified” by the escalation, particularly by the growing number of child casualties. He called for a massive increase in humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian enclave. “We reiterate our demand for a ceasefire as the only way to secure the release of hostages and protect civilians,” the Labour leader stated.
Israel responded swiftly. In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry accused the UK’s decision of being driven by an “anti-Israel obsession” and “domestic political considerations.” Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmostein claimed that the trade talks had already stalled and accused the UK of harming its own economy for ideological reasons.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. The United Nations warned that around 14,000 babies could die within the next 48 hours if aid supplies are not urgently allowed into the territory. At least 53 Palestinians — including women and children — were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on northern and central Gaza.
International tensions continue to rise, and the UK’s move may signal a turning point in bilateral relations with Israel and the broader stance of Western powers on the Middle East conflict.
