UK in Long Overdue Change of Tune on Gaza: Sanctions, Aid, and Diplomatic Pressure Mount
The United Kingdom has markedly shifted its stance on the Gaza conflict, joining France and Canada in imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers and suspending trade talks with Israel. This change comes amid escalating violence, a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and growing international calls for an immediate ceasefire. The UK government has also restored funding to Palestinian aid agencies, suspended arms exports for use in Gaza, and is actively pushing for a two-state solution while demanding Israel lift its blockade to allow vital humanitarian aid to reach civilians.
UK’s New Measures Against Israel and Settler Violence
The UK government has taken concrete steps to pressure Israel to halt its military offensive in Gaza and end the blockade restricting humanitarian aid. In a joint statement with France and Canada, UK leaders warned that if Israel does not cease its renewed military operations and lift restrictions on aid, further sanctions will follow.
Specifically, the UK has imposed sanctions on three individuals and four entities linked to the settler movement in the occupied West Bank, condemning illegal settlement expansion and settler violence that threaten the viability of a Palestinian state and regional security. This builds on earlier sanctions imposed in October 2024 against seven settler-related entities.
Trade negotiations with Israel have been paused, and arms export licenses for use in Gaza have been suspended since September 2024. However, the UK continues to navigate complex defense supply chains, including components related to the F-35 fighter jets, which Israel has been using intensively in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis and UK’s Aid Efforts
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. Over 30,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict escalated in October 2024. One in five Gazans faces starvation, with famine risks particularly acute in Gaza North, Deir al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah due to the ongoing blockade that has prevented over 9,000 aid trucks from entering.
The UK has restored funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), committing £129 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the region through April 2025. British aid deliveries have included food and medical supplies to hundreds of thousands of Gazans, with the Royal Air Force conducting airdrops in coordination with Jordan to reach over a quarter of a million people.
UK officials have condemned Israel’s use of aid blockades as a “pressure lever,” describing it as cruel and indefensible. The UK has called for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian assistance, emphasizing that aid must never be politicized or used as a military tool.
Diplomatic Engagement and Legal Stance
The UK actively supports international legal mechanisms addressing the conflict. It backs the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its provisional measures in the ongoing genocide case related to Gaza, insisting Israel must comply with these rulings. The UK maintains that formal genocide determinations are the purview of competent courts, not governments.
At the diplomatic level, the UK is working closely with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, and international allies to finalize plans for Gaza’s future, including reconstruction efforts that exclude Hamas governance. The UK government is preparing for the High-level Two-State Solution Conference at the United Nations in June, which aims to build international consensus on a peaceful resolution.
Political Reactions and Criticism in the UK
Despite the UK government’s recent actions, opposition politicians have criticized the measures as insufficient. Some MPs demand a full arms embargo on Israel and immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing that current sanctions and trade suspensions do not adequately address the scale of civilian suffering or the Israeli government’s policies.
The government defends its approach as consistent with international law and effective diplomacy, highlighting the complexity of arms supply chains and the importance of working with international partners to achieve a sustainable peace.
The Two-State Solution: The UK’s Enduring Goal
The UK reaffirms its commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, envisioning a sovereign Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. It opposes any forced displacement of Palestinians and insists that Palestinians must determine Gaza’s future with international support.
However, the viability of this framework is increasingly threatened by ongoing conflict, settlement expansion, and settler violence. The UK warns that accelerated settlement approvals and violence undermine peace prospects and regional stability.
Summary
The UK’s recent policy shift on Gaza marks a significant escalation in diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel amid one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. By imposing sanctions on settlers, suspending trade talks, restoring aid funding, and calling for an immediate ceasefire, the UK joins a growing chorus demanding an end to violence and blockade in Gaza. While criticism remains over the pace and scope of UK actions, the government stresses its commitment to international law, humanitarian principles, and a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace in the region.
