The UK has gone all out on Israel, pausing talks on a trade deal, dragging the Israeli ambassador in for a chat, and slapping fresh sanctions on those West Bank settlers. Foreign Secretary David Lammy didn’t hold back, calling the military escalation in Gaza “morally unjustifiable”. The decision came right after warnings of starvation in Gaza following Israel’s latest military move over the weekend.
Parliament was lit with fiery debates, especially between Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel and Lammy. Patel reckoned Hamas would be happy with the UK’s actions, but other MPs were pushing for more to be done. Israel’s foreign spokesperson wasn’t having it, stating that external pressure won’t stop them from defending their existence.
Global experts are sounding the alarm on a potential famine due to Israel’s blockade on food, fuel, and medicine into Gaza for over 11 weeks. The humanitarian crisis, coupled with the lack of a clear path to a ceasefire and mounting frustration from the White House, led to the UK’s bold moves. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the situation “intolerable” and stressed the need for humanitarian aid to flow in swiftly.
In the midst of it all, Lammy accused the Israeli government of extremism and dangerous actions, condemning their military expansion. Talks on a free trade deal were put on hold, and sanctions were imposed on individuals and companies involved in human rights abuses. Calls for more action echoed in Parliament, with some MPs even hinting at a possible breach of international law. The UK government is ready to take further steps if necessary, showing a commitment to addressing the ongoing conflict in the region.
