The United Kingdom has officially paused its ongoing trade negotiations with Israel, citing rising violence by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. The decision came after a strong statement by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the worsening situation in the region as “utterly intolerable.”
Starmer called once again for an immediate ceasefire and a major increase in humanitarian aid for civilians affected by the conflict, particularly in Gaza. He stated that the violence cannot continue and that the suffering of innocent people must end. The UK also reiterated its position against Israeli settlement expansion, which it says is fueling instability.
Following this, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) summoned Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to formally express concern about Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza. The UK described itself as “horrified” by the escalation and said a ceasefire is the only way to help free hostages and protect lives on both sides.
UK Announces Targeted Sanctions
As part of its response, the UK has introduced a fresh round of sanctions aimed at individuals and organizations connected to settler violence in the West Bank. The action was announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who told Parliament that the “persistent cycle of violence” needed to be broken.
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Lammy said he had personally seen the fear experienced by Palestinian communities affected by settler attacks and criticized what he called the Israeli government’s failure to intervene. He warned that continued inaction was putting the prospect of a peaceful two-state solution in serious danger.
The UK’s sanctions target people and entities believed to be involved in promoting or carrying out violence against Palestinians. Among those sanctioned is Daniella Weiss, identified as a prominent leader in the settler movement. Other named targets include Harel Libi, owner of Libi Construction and Infrastructure, and Zohar Sabah, linked to Coco’s Farm.
The UK has also placed sanctions on two illegal outposts — Nachala and Neria’s Farm — along with associated organizations. These groups are accused of encouraging aggression and creating unsafe conditions for nearby Palestinian communities.
Those sanctioned now face financial restrictions, travel bans, and bans on serving as company directors in the UK. These new measures add to an existing list of 18 individuals and entities previously penalized for their roles in serious violence in the West Bank.
According to the FCDO, the United Nations has recorded over 1,800 settler attacks on Palestinian communities since January 1, 2024, prompting the UK to take firmer action.
Trade Talks on Hold, Aid Demands Repeated
While the UK still recognizes its current trade agreement with Israel, it has chosen to pause discussions on a new and upgraded Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The government says it is not possible to move forward on trade talks with the current administration led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, due to its “egregious policies” in both the West Bank and Gaza.
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The UK has made it clear that further progress in trade relations will depend on significant changes in Israel’s approach to the conflict and its obligations under international law.
At the same time, the UK repeated its call for Hamas to release all hostages “immediately and unconditionally” and stated that the group should no longer have control over Gaza. The government stressed the need for safe and full delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where basic supplies like food, water, and medical care remain dangerously limited.
Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Minister for the Middle East, said the current aid levels are not nearly enough and called for urgent international efforts to address the crisis. He reinforced that a ceasefire is needed not only to save lives but also to allow aid to reach those in desperate need.
The pause in trade talks and the new sanctions come after a joint statement by the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada, which expressed deep concern over Israel’s military expansion in Gaza and condemned the continuing growth of illegal settlements in the West Bank. That statement also warned that more action would follow if Israel did not change course.
These latest moves reflect a clear shift in the UK’s position and show increasing pressure on Israel to stop the violence and comply with international expectations.
