In announcing it was suspending negotiations for a trade deal with Israel, No10’s spokesman appeared to single out Netanyahu for criticism, rather than Israel, saying ” it is “not possible to advance discussions on a deeper trading relationship with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing policies which are damaging to the wider region and to its own citizens”.
Using the strongest language yet of any UK government minister he told MPs Israel was guilty of “monstrous” actions in Gaza which were “morally unjustifiable [and] wholly disproportionate”.
“Yesterday, Minister Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces ‘“’cleansing’”’ Gaza, ‘“’destroying what’s lef’t”’, of resident Palestinians “being relocated to third countries”.
Sir Keir Starmer said the risk of starvation due to the restriction of aid and supplies, and the bombardment of children through ongoing military expansion, were “intolerable and unacceptable”.
Smoke rises after an Israeli attack on Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City, Gaza. (Photo by Mahmoud Issa/Anadolu via Getty Images)On Monday, Starmer issued a joint statement with the leaders of Canda and France warning Israel was at risk of breaching international law.
But Starmer was urged to go further by MPs who demanded recognition of the state of Palestine and a ban on all arms exports to Israel.
The Labour government already suspended around 30 of the 350 export licences to Israel because there was a “clear risk” they “might be used” to breach international law.
But ministers are under pressure over the continued sale of components for F-35 jets into a global supply pool, which can end up used by Israel’s military.
He accused his government of “isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world”.
Lammy wants ‘strong friendship with Israel’
But Lammy aimed his rhetoric directly at the Netanyahu administration – saying he wanted a “strong friendship” with the Israeli people based on “shared values”.
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But the ongoing bombardment of Gaza, and blocking of food and aid from entering, is “morally unjustifiable, it’s wholly disproportionate, it’s utterly, utterly counterproductive,” Lammy went on, and not the way to bring the remaining Israeli hostages home.
“Two months ago the ceasefire collapsed. Since then the humanitarian catastrophe has rapidly intensified,” Lammy said.
In response to Monday’s joint statement Netanyahu accused Britain of “Offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”
He added: “External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction.”
Labour MPs Yasmin Qureshi and Afzal Khan were among several calling for a “full arms embargo” – as well as an investigation into war crimes.
Conservative MP Martin Vickers said a free vote in the Commons would lead to “overwhelming support” for doing so.
On the recognition of a Palestinian state, Downing Street said: “We have been clear that the UK will never give up on the two-state solution, with a Palestinian state and Israel living side-by-side in peace dignity and security.”
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