UK-Israeli relations have hit a low point after British foreign secretary David Lammy suspended negotiations for a new free trade deal. This decision came in response to Israel’s cabinet ministers advocating for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, which Lammy deemed repugnant, monstrous, and extremist.
Lammy also mentioned that discussions on a future bilateral strategic roadmap with Israel were under review. He criticized Israel for blocking aid trucks from reaching starving Palestinians, calling their treatment of Palestinians contrary to British values and the principles of the UK-Israeli relationship.
Expressing strong disapproval, Lammy condemned the planned military incursion into Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces as morally unjustifiable, disproportionate, and counterproductive.
In response to the trade talks suspension, Israel’s foreign ministry accused the UK of having an anti-Israel bias. Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein stated that the British government’s actions were driven by anti-Israel sentiments and domestic politics, potentially harming the British economy.
Lammy emphasized the need to halt the assault on Gaza and summoned the Israeli ambassador to convey British concerns. While supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, he criticized the military escalation in Gaza as morally unjustifiable and counterproductive.
Israel defended its actions, claiming that aid was being misused by Hamas and that the military operation was necessary to combat terrorism and free hostages. However, Lammy argued that creating a humanitarian crisis would not lead to the release of hostages.
He warned that Israel’s actions were tarnishing its global reputation, isolating the country, and damaging its image. While some MPs called for stricter measures, Lammy stated that further action would be considered in collaboration with allies.
Additionally, sanctions were imposed on Israeli settlers and entities in the West Bank, including extremist figures. Despite criticism, one of the targeted individuals dismissed the sanctions as insignificant.
The escalating tensions reflect a deepening rift between the UK and Israel, with implications for future diplomatic relations and international cooperation.
Dan kami akan memiliki tangan atas.”
Namun, Lammy sekali lagi menahan diri dari memberlakukan sanksi terhadap dua menteri kabinet Israel, menteri keuangan, Smotrich, dan menteri dalam negeri, Itamar Ben-Gvir, meskipun dia mengatakan beberapa bahasa mereka akan tetap dipantau.
Smotrich mengatakan minggu ini: “Sama seperti kami meratakan Rafah, kami akan meratakan seluruh Gaza.”
Lammy menunjukkan bahwa ada rencana PBB siap untuk memberikan bantuan dalam skala besar dengan lebih dari 9.000 truk di perbatasan. Dia menyerukan kepada Netanyahu untuk segera mengakhiri blokade dan mengizinkan bantuan masuk.
Sanksi juga diberlakukan terhadap Libi Construction and Infrastructure Ltd, Harel Libi dan Coco’s Farm Outpost, dan Neria’s Farm Outpost, termasuk “orang yang tinggal di pos, karena terlibat dalam pelanggaran hak asasi manusia.” Sebelumnya Keir Starmer mengatakan Britania “tidak bisa membiarkan rakyat Gaza kelaparan” dan bahwa tingkat penderitaan di sana “benar-benar tidak tertahankan”.
“Pengumuman baru-baru ini bahwa Israel akan memperbolehkan sejumlah makanan dasar masuk ke Gaza benar-benar tidak memadai,” katanya kepada anggota parlemen.
“Jadi kita harus mengkoordinasikan respons kita, karena perang ini sudah berlangsung terlalu lama. Kita tidak bisa membiarkan rakyat Gaza kelaparan.”
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