The United Kingdom has officially suspended free trade negotiations with Israel and imposed targeted sanctions against violent settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This decisive move comes amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and expansion of illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called Israel’s policies “cruel and indefensible,” particularly criticizing the prolonged blockade of Gaza and a rising death toll now surpassing 53,000 Palestinians since October 2023. The newly announced sanctions target individual settlers, unauthorized outposts, and extremist organizations accused of inciting or participating in violence.

The Israeli government has strongly rejected the U.K.’s actions, labeling them “unjustified.” However, other international actors — including France and Canada — have signaled similar moves unless Israel lifts restrictions on humanitarian aid and halts military offensives in densely populated civilian areas.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and diplomatic pressure to end the crisis. Meanwhile, the European Union is reevaluating its trade pact with Israel, and French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate ceasefire and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution.

As global outrage grows, these developments reflect a mounting international shift toward accountability and the protection of Palestinian lives under occupation.