Foreign Secretary David Lammy denounces the obstruction of aid trucks and condemns Israeli ministers’ calls to ‘purify Gaza.’

UK-Israeli diplomatic relations have deteriorated to their lowest point in decades following Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s suspension of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel. Lammy’s decision came in response to inflammatory remarks from senior Israeli cabinet ministers advocating for the “purification” of Gaza through the forced removal of Palestinians statements he condemned as “repellent,” “monstrous,” and “extremist.”

In addition to freezing trade talks, Lammy announced a broader review of the UK’s strategic bilateral roadmap with Israel, citing growing concerns over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. He sharply criticized Israel’s continued blockade of humanitarian aid, which has prevented thousands of trucks from reaching civilians in desperate need. “This is an affront to the values of the British people,” Lammy said, “and incompatible with the principles that underpin our relationship with Israel.”

Simultaneously, the European Union took a parallel step, with 17 of its 27 member states supporting a review of the EU-Israel trade agreement following a motion by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. The EU remains Israel’s largest trading partner, comprising 32% of its total trade in goods in 2024.

In a powerful address to Parliament, Lammy condemned a planned large-scale Israeli military incursion into Gaza, calling it “morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate, and utterly counterproductive.” His speech was met with cries of “genocide” from backbench MPs, reflecting the emotional intensity and political divide in Westminster.

Expressing visible outrage, Lammy accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of engineering a humanitarian catastrophe: “Netanyahu’s government is forcing Gazans into a small corner of the strip, cutting them off from essential aid. This is a dark new phase in the conflict.” He warned that Israel’s global standing was at risk. “They are isolating themselves from friends and allies. They are undermining their own people’s interests and tarnishing the legacy of Israel’s founding values—values I have long believed in.”

Despite Lammy’s strong language, some Labour MPs and Conservative backbenchers voiced frustration over the limited scope of action, arguing that halting trade talks was largely symbolic. They urged the government to impose stricter arms export controls, recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN conference, and introduce a full trade embargo on Israel. Lammy responded that additional measures were under review in collaboration with international partners.

Former Conservative minister Kit Malthouse questioned the impact of Lammy’s statements, saying: “The Israelis don’t care what’s said in this chamber. Must we beg for the lives of Palestinian children before you act?” Lammy rebutted, asserting that Israel is not immune to diplomatic pressure and that recent sanctions against Israeli settlers were evidence of growing international accountability.

The UK has now imposed sanctions on three more Israeli settlers and four West Bank entities. Among those targeted is Daniella Weiss, a prominent settler activist and leader of the Nachala movement, who was recently profiled in a Louis Theroux documentary. Others sanctioned include individuals and groups allegedly linked to violent attacks on Palestinians, including Zohar Sabah, who was previously sanctioned by the US.

Weiss dismissed the sanctions in a phone interview, labeling them “childish” and irrelevant to the broader settler movement. “This won’t affect me or our cause,” she said, adding that her husband had already planned to avoid travel to the UK.

However, Lammy stopped short of sanctioning two of Israel’s most controversial cabinet ministers—Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir—despite international outrage over their rhetoric. Smotrich recently stated: “Just as we levelled Rafah, we will level all of Gaza.” Lammy acknowledged that their conduct is under ongoing review.

Highlighting the humanitarian urgency, Lammy noted that the UN has 9,000 aid trucks ready to enter Gaza. He urged Netanyahu to lift the blockade immediately and facilitate the delivery of critical supplies.

Additional sanctions were imposed on Israeli entities such as Libi Construction and Infrastructure Ltd, Coco’s Farm Outpost, and Neria’s Farm Outpost, citing involvement in human rights violations.

Labour leader Keir Starmer echoed Lammy’s concerns, stating, “Britain cannot allow the people of Gaza to starve.” He criticized Israel’s recent pledge to permit minimal food aid as “utterly inadequate” and called for coordinated international action to end the conflict and prevent further suffering.

As pressure mounts both domestically and internationally, the UK government faces growing calls to match strong rhetoric with decisive action in response to Israel’s conduct in Gaza.