London cancels free trade talks with Tel Aviv

The UK government has imposed sanctions on individuals, illegal settler outposts, and organizations that support violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Additionally, the British Foreign Secretary has suspended negotiations related to a free trade agreement with Israel.

According to a statement published on the UK government’s website, the new sanctions target three individuals, two illegal settler outposts, and two organizations involved in violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

The statement also noted that Hamish Falconer, UK Deputy Foreign Secretary, summoned Tzipi Hotovely, Israel’s ambassador to London, to the Foreign Office to provide explanations regarding the expansion of military operations in Gaza.

During this meeting, the UK government will express its strong opposition to “the disproportionate escalation of military operations in Gaza” and emphasize that “the obstruction of humanitarian aid to the region over the past eleven weeks has been a cruel and indefensible act.”

The sanctions announced today (Tuesday) include financial restrictions and travel bans, targeting prominent figures such as Daniela Weiss, a leader of the extremist settler movement. Previously, 18 other individuals, entities, and companies had been sanctioned for their roles in serious violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

According to a statement from the UK Foreign Office, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced in Parliament that negotiations for a free trade agreement with Israel are officially suspended as of this moment. He also reiterated the UK’s firm stance against the new and extensive ground operations by the Israeli military in Gaza.