Israel Slams U.K. for Suspending Trade Talks, Rejects Gaza and West Bank Pressure

Israel has unleashed a sharp rebuke against the U.K. after London halted free trade talks, citing Jerusalem’s actions in the Gaza conflict. The Israeli Foreign Ministry called the move a product of the U.K.’s ‘anti-Israel obsession’ and domestic political maneuvering, arguing that the stalled trade negotiations were already dormant before the U.K.’s announcement. ‘The British government is willing to harm its own economy,’ the ministry stated, emphasizing that a trade deal would benefit both nations.

The U.K. also slapped new sanctions on the West Bank, condemning violence by extremist Israeli settlers. Israel fired back, highlighting the recent tragedy of Tzeela Gez, a woman killed in a terror attack while heading to give birth. Her newborn’s life hangs in the balance, a stark reminder of the region’s volatility. Israel dismissed the U.K.’s pressure, declaring, ‘The British Mandate ended 77 years ago. External pressure won’t sway Israel’s defense of its existence.’

U.K. Foreign Minister David Lammy justified the trade talk suspension, pointing to Israel’s Operation Gideon’s Chariot as a ‘dark new phase’ in the Gaza conflict. Alongside France and Canada, the U.K. demanded Israel ease restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, threatening further action if unmet. While Israel has allowed limited aid to resume after an 11-week halt, critics like French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and U.N. official Tom Fletcher argue it’s far from enough, with Fletcher calling it ‘a drop in the ocean.’

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon countered that aid distribution now involves vetted NGOs to prevent Hamas from siphoning supplies. Yet, the international chorus grows louder, demanding more access and fewer restrictions in a conflict where every move is scrutinized.