Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the situation in the region as “totally intolerable”, reiterating calls for a ceasefire and a massive expansion of humanitarian aid to those affected in Gaza.
It is the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) convened Israeli ambassadors in the UK to tzipi Hotovielly on the renewed ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, which Tel Aviv claims is intended to dismantle Hamas extremist groups.
“We are shocked by the escalation in Israel. We repeat the demand for a ceasefire, which is the only way to release the hostages,” Starmer said.
“We repeat our opposition to the West Bank settlements and demand a substantial expansion of humanitarian aid,” he said.
Starmer’s parliamentary statement is followed by the latest update of sanctions by Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the House of Commons, posts for individuals, illegal settlers and organizations “support violence” to Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Rami said the ongoing cycle of violence by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank demands action. “I have seen the consequences of settlers’ violence. Fear of victims. Imprisoners’ impunity,” Rami said.
“It is the responsibility of the Government of Israel to intervene and stop these positive actions. Their concerted actions continue to put the Palestinian community and the bilateral solution at risk,” he said.
The UK measures the goals of such people as the famous settler leader Daniella Weiss, and what it calls two illegal posts and organizations that support, incite and promote violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
These individuals and entities are now subject to measures, including financial restrictions, travel bans and director disqualification, and will follow 18 other individuals, entities and companies that have approved for serious violence in the West Bank community.
The measures Tuesday come after a “dramatic surge” in West Bank settlers’ violence, the United Nations has recorded more than 1,800 attacks by settlers on Palestinian communities since January 1, 2024, the FCDO said.
The FCDO said that although the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement, it is impossible to have a discussion with the new and upgraded FTAs with the new Netanyahu-led government, which is adopting serious policies in the West Bank and Gaza banking.
At the same time, the UK reiterated its demand for Hamas to release all Israeli hostages immediately and unconditionally because the organization “cannot continue to operate Gaza.”
The move comes after Starmer’s joint statement with French and Canadian leaders who strongly oppose expanding Israeli military operations in Gaza and illegal settlements in the West Bank on Monday.
The strongly worded joint statement also made it clear that further action would be taken if Israel did not cease to act.
“Israel must comply with obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure adequate, rapid, secure and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Limited access to aid is not enough.”
“We must immediately ceasefire and release of all hostages, and the path to a two-state solution is the only way to ensure long-term peace and security of Palestinians and Israelis.”
Others on the UK’s latest sanctions list include Harel Libi, Libi Construction and Infrastructure, Zohar Sabah, Coco’s Farm, Nachala and Neria’s farms – all accused of “threatening and permanent acts of aggression and violence”.
