UK pauses free trade agreement negotiations with Israel
Earlier we reported that the British foreign secretary had announced the formal pause of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel over its war on Gaza.
“While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza,” a government press release read.
The pause comes as Lammy announced sanctions on settler organisations and activists, a day after Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the French and Canadian leaders threatened sanctions on Israel due to its actions in Gaza.
Moreover, British Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer has also summoned Israeli Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely over the expansion of military operations in Gaza.
Just a pause on negotiations to extend the trade agreement for now.
Gaza aid blockade ‘cruel and indefensible’, says UK minister
The British parliamentary undersecretary of state for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, says the Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, has been summoned due to the Netanyahu government’s “opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza” and the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Falconer said he will emphasise to Hotovely that the 11-week blockade on aid to Gaza has been “cruel and indefensible”.
“Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. The limited amount of aid entering is simply not enough,” Falconer said.
“We must get an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, and a path to a two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis,” he added.
Israel slams UK moves over its war on Palestine
Israel has denounced the British government decision to pause free trade agreement negotiations and impose sanctions on illegal settlers over violence against Palestinians Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
“Even prior to today’s announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry called the UK sanctions “unjustified and regrettable.”
“The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago,” it said.
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…
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 20, 2025
