The UK has suspended trade deal talks with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers and summoned the country's ambassador as the relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu's government deteriorates.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy hit out at the renewed military offensive in the Gaza Strip and the restrictions on aid to the population of the territory.
He also condemned the actions of "extremist" settlers in the West Bank, saying Mr Netanyahu's administration has a responsibility to intervene to halt their actions.
Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely has been called in to the Foreign Office, where Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said he would set out the Government's opposition to the "wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza" and emphasise that the 11-week block on aid "has been cruel and indefensible".
In the Commons, Mr Lammy said: "We have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement."
He also said the UK is reviewing its co-operation with the Israeli administration, adding: "The Netanyahu government's actions have made this necessary."
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “horrified” by Israel’s military escalation in Gaza as allies demanded an end to the war and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
He told MPs: “I want to put on record today that we're horrified by the escalation from Israel.”
He added: “We repeat our demand for a ceasefire as the only way to free the hostages, we repeat our opposition to settlements in the West Bank, and we repeat our demand to massively scale up humanitarian assistance into Gaza.”
Sir Keir’s comments came after he issued a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian premier Mark Carney saying “we will not stand by” while the Benjamin Netanyahu’s government pursues “egregious” actions in the beleaguered territory.
After a weeks-long blockade, Israel said it would allow a “basic” amount of aid into Gaza to prevent a “hunger crisis” from developing.
In the joint statement, Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Carney said: “We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.
“Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate.”
They said the Israeli government’s denial of aid “is unacceptable and risks breaching international humanitarian law”.
“We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate.
“Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.”
The leaders called on Hamas to release the hostages it took in the “heinous attack” on October 7, 2023.
“We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism,” the three leaders said.
“But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”
They warned that “we will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions.
“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
They also warned they would be prepared to impose targeted sanctions over attempts to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Israel’s prime minister responded by saying the three leaders had offered a “huge prize” for Hamas in the Gaza war.
Despite Israel’s promise to allow aid in, there was no sign of an easing of the humanitarian crisis.
Israeli authorities have temporarily allowed us to deliver limited aid to Gaza after 11 weeks of blockade.
— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) May 19, 2025
A drop in the ocean. It must reach the civilians who need it so urgently, and we must be allowed to scale up.
We are determined to save as many lives as we can. pic.twitter.com/Ai5m9cawqt
The UN’s humanitarian relief chief Tom Fletcher – a former British diplomat – said nine aid trucks were cleared to enter, “but it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed”.
“Our expectations for today’s crossings are realistic: given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant,” he warned.
Sentiments were echoed by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who told the BBC the situation in Gaza was an “abomination”.
“People must receive the aid that they desperately, desperately need,” he said.
“What we’re seeing, in terms of food, water, medicine, fuel, the restrictions on humanitarian assistance, and the loss of life, are completely unacceptable and intolerable.”
Acknowledging international pressure, Mr Netanyahu said Israel’s “greatest friends in the world” had told him: “We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you.”
But Israel has launched further air and ground operations across the territory and ordered the evacuation of Gaza’s second-largest city, Khan Younis.
Mr Netanyahu said Israel plans on “taking control of all of Gaza”, putting in place a new system to distribute aid that prevents the involvement of Hamas.
Speaking after Britain, France and Canada ramped up the pressure on Israel, Mr Netanyahu said: “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
After urging European leaders to follow “President Trump’s vision” for ending the conflict, the Israeli prime minister added: “This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”
