UK halts trade talks with Israel over Gaza blockade

Britain has suspended its ongoing negotiations on a new free trade agreement with Israel, citing Israel’s continued blockade and military operations in Gaza as incompatible with the values underpinning their bilateral relationship.

The announcement came from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a statement to the House of Commons on May 19, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

Lammy condemned Israel’s 11-week blockade and ground offensive in Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis as leaving civilians “facing starvation, homelessness [and] trauma.” He emphasised that the UK “cannot stand by” amid the worsening situation and that the government’s decision reflects the values of the British people.

As part of a broader package of measures, the UK also imposed sanctions on three individuals, two illegal Israeli settler outposts, and two organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. Additionally, Israel’s ambassador to the UK was summoned to the Foreign Office for discussions.

The UK had been negotiating to upgrade its existing free trade agreement with Israel since 2022. The fifth round of talks was held in April 2024, and the British Labour government announced plans to resume negotiations in July 2024. However, the current escalation in Gaza and the humanitarian impact have prompted London to pause the talks and review broader cooperation under the 2030 Bilateral Roadmap.

For the record, the UK and Israel have maintained a free trade agreement since the 1990s, providing a framework for bilateral trade. Negotiations to upgrade this deal began in 2022, aiming to deepen economic ties post-Brexit. However, recent military developments in Gaza — where Israel has imposed a blockade and launched a ground operation following hostilities with Hamas — have intensified international scrutiny. The blockade has severely restricted the flow of essential goods and aid into Gaza, triggering widespread humanitarian concerns.

By Khagan Isayev