UK puts the brakes on trade with Israel and moves to impose sanctions

The UK has suspended free trade agreement negotiations with Tel Aviv due to Israel's expansion of its attacks in the Gaza Strip. The London administration also summoned the Israeli ambassador in the country to the Foreign Office. Furthermore, it was announced that a decision had been made to impose sanctions on Jewish settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The UK announced that it has suspended free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, which has expanded its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE NETANYAHU GOVERNMENT"

In a statement regarding the matter issued by the British government in Hebrew, it was stated, "While the British government remains committed to the existing trade agreement, it is not possible to continue negotiations on a new and improved trade agreement with the Netanyahu government, which supports particularly poor policies in the West Bank and Gaza."

SANCTIONS ON ISRAELI SETTLERS

In a separate statement made on behalf of the government, it was stated that a decision had been made to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.

ISRAELI AMBASSADOR SUMMONED TO THE MINISTRY

At the same time, Israel's Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, was summoned to the Foreign Office following the expansion of the operation in Gaza.

CALL TO NETANYAHU FROM THE FOREIGN SECRETARY

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also described the blockade Israel has imposed on Gaza as 'cruelty' in his statement on the matter. Referring to the fact that humanitarian aid has been prevented from reaching Gaza for 11 weeks, Lammy said the situation was 'indefensible' and 'cruel.' Lammy also called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to 'end immediately' the blockade in Gaza.