UK Suspends Israel Trade Talks, Summons Ambassador Over Gaza Offensiv
London – May 20, 2025
The United Kingdom has suspended ongoing trade negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador in response to what it described as the “intolerable” escalation of military operations in Gaza.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was “horrified by the escalation from Israel,” as reports of rising civilian casualties and besieged hospitals continue to emerge from the Palestinian enclave. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the conflict as entering a “dark new phase,” warning of dire humanitarian consequences if hostilities persist.
The diplomatic rebuke marks one of the strongest public criticisms of Israel by the UK since the outbreak of the latest conflict. It comes amid growing domestic and international pressure on the Starmer-led Labour government to respond more forcefully to the crisis in Gaza.
As part of its response, the UK government confirmed the immediate suspension of bilateral trade talks with Israel, which had been progressing as part of a post-Brexit strategy to deepen commercial ties beyond the EU.
In parallel, the Israeli ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office in London on Monday. A senior UK official described the meeting as “direct and unambiguous,” conveying Britain’s condemnation of what it sees as disproportionate military actions in Gaza.
The diplomatic moves follow a limited easing of Israel’s aid blockade. On Monday, Israeli authorities reportedly permitted five aid trucks into Gaza, the first since a total shutdown began 11 weeks ago. However, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher dismissed the move as a “drop in the ocean,” emphasizing that at least 100 trucks are needed daily to address basic humanitarian needs.
The UN has warned that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with food, water, and fuel supplies critically low. Thousands of civilians remain displaced amid intense Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults.
Israel says its latest campaign, dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” aims to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and secure the release of remaining hostages. However, the humanitarian cost has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights groups and several Western allies, including the UK.
