The Israeli military announced the start of a new operation
last week and medics in Gaza say Israeli strikes have killed more than 500
people in the past eight days.
Israel has also blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel
supplies into Gaza since the start of March, prompting international experts to
warn of looming famine, although some trucks were allowed to enter on Monday.
Foreign Minister David Lammy said the offensive was "a
dark new phase in this conflict", called for Israel to end the blockade of
aid and condemned comments by finance minister Bezalel Smotrich on the possible
cleansing and destruction of Gaza and relocation of its residents to third
countries.
"It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It
is monstrous, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," a visibly
angry Lammy told lawmakers, adding the operation in Gaza was "incompatible
with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship".
"Today, I'm announcing that we have suspended
negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement."
Israel said Britain had not advanced the trade talks, which
started formally in 2022 under a previous Conservative British government, for
some time.
"The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago,"
a spokesperson for its foreign ministry said. "External pressure will not
divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against
enemies who seek its destruction."
Lammy said the new offensive would not secure the release of
remaining hostages and that January's ceasefire had shown the better path that
Israel should follow.
Earlier Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was
"horrified by the escalation" after issuing a joint statement with
France and Canada. Lammy said Britain would take further action if Israel
pursued its military offensive.
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