UK Warns of Further Measures Against Israel if Gaza Ceasefire Stalls
UK warns Israel: More action coming if Gaza ceasefire fails. FM Lammy condemns forced relocation plans, cites stalled talks. UK already halted trade talks, sanctioned settlers amid worsening war.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – British Foreign Minister David Lammy has warned that the United Kingdom will take further action against Israel if a ceasefire is not reached soon in the Gaza Strip, expressing concern over recent Israeli statements that could jeopardize ongoing negotiations.
Speaking during a session of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the UK Parliament on May 20, 2025, Lammy said that controversial remarks by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz regarding the forced relocation of Gaza’s entire population — over two million people — to a so-called "humanitarian zone" in southern Gaza risk derailing any chance of progress.
“I think that would be a big sticking point for getting that ceasefire,” Lammy told lawmakers. “I suspect that if he [Katz] is insistent on that position, then it would be very hard to see how we get that ceasefire because there is an acute discussion about the degree to which the IDF withdraws from Gaza.”
UK Readies for Escalation in Diplomatic Response
When asked directly whether the UK government would consider taking additional measures should the humanitarian situation in Gaza continue to deteriorate, Lammy was unequivocal.
“Yes. Yes, we will,” he said.
His comments follow a series of diplomatic steps already taken by London in May, when the UK government announced a suspension of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel. In addition, Britain imposed targeted sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank in response to what it described as ongoing violations linked to wartime policy and settlement expansion.
Mounting International Pressure
The UK’s shift in tone comes amid growing international outcry over the humanitarian toll of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and fears of a protracted conflict with severe consequences for regional stability.
British officials have consistently backed efforts for a ceasefire and a comprehensive hostage release deal, but Lammy’s remarks signal an increasing willingness to confront Israeli leadership directly if diplomatic avenues remain blocked.
As discussions over Israel's military footprint in Gaza and conditions for a ceasefire intensify, London’s warning adds further pressure on Tel Aviv to reevaluate its policies — particularly those viewed as collective punishment or forced displacement — which could draw further international isolation.
