FCDO announces West Bank sanctions and pauses Israel trade talks
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, represented by Hamish Falconer MP and the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, announced new sanctions against three individuals, two illegal settler outposts and two organisations that have supported, incited or promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The measures, which include asset freezes, travel bans and director disqualifications, have been introduced in response to a significant escalation in settler violence – with the United Nations recording over 1,800 such attacks since January 2024. In addition, the Foreign Secretary declared a formal pause to negotiations on a new free trade agreement with Israel, although the government remains committed to the existing trade framework. His statement to Parliament unequivocally condemned the Israeli government’s policies in both the West Bank and Gaza, specifically its extensive ground operation in Gaza, which has raised serious humanitarian concerns such as the threat of starvation and forced displacement of Gazan civilians. The announcement was bolstered by a joint statement from the Prime Minister alongside the leaders of France and Canada, who also expressed strong opposition to the expansion of military operations and illegal settlements, underscoring the view that continued non-compliance could result in further action.