Description: UK’s Parliament, following a fiery debate among the MPs and strong speeches from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, decided to suspend trade negotiations with Israel, impose sanctions on illegal settlers in the West Bank and summoned the Israeli ambassador to the UK. The decision by UK’s government was after a joint statement was issued on Monday by France, Canada and the UK which vigorously condemned Israel’s expansion of military operations in the Strip and the three – month blockade of humanitarian aid. The decision was precipitated after both Lammy and Starmer focused their addresses to parliament on Israel’s war in Gaza and stated that the situation was horrendous and abominable. EU’s top foreign official, Kaja Kallas has joined the UK’s condemnation and stated that the Union would also discuss cessation of trade relations with Israel if a ceasefire wasn’t agreed upon immediately, and the blockade of humanitarian aid isn’t lifted. Qatari officials which mediate the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have stated that Israel recalled their delegation citing that fundamental impasses couldn’t be surpassed between both parties.
Impact: The joint condemnation of Israel’s new military offensive in Gaza, although significant, offers little to no resolution proposals and is aimed at pressuring Israel to lift the blockade on the humanitarian aid to the Strip. Imposing sanctions on illegal settlers and breaking off trade talks represent a temporary measure and an expression of disapproval towards the renewed offensive which according to Israeli officials would prompt the release of the remaining hostages in Hamas’ possession. Information from Qatar regarding the failed ceasefire negotiations further aggravates the situation as signals from the Israeli Knesset indicate that despite international pressure the war campaigns would continue. The exclusion of the US involvement in the process, for the time being, coupled with the international pressure and Israel’s adamant position on their war campaigns, suggests continuation of the war indefinitely and expansion of the already critical humanitarian crisis.