4 d. ago Israel fears the threat of trade sanctions — but is the EU ready to follow through? | Martin Konečný

A human rights review of EU-Israel ties is under way. The results will be significant for both the war and Europe’s reputationAfter many months of inaction and complicity in the face of Israel’s destruction of Gaza, Europe is finally beginning to stir. Tens of thousands of people killed and attacks on schools and hospitals had apparently not been enough. But, along with the blocking of humanitarian aid and open calls for ethnic cleansing, Israel’s actions finally became too severe to ignore, deny or justify. In recent weeks, a cascade of unusually strong statements, diplomatic rebukes and threats of sanctions has emerged from European capitals – each move amplifying the next, as if a long-dormant herd has suddenly jolted into motion.Among these developments, the most significant may be the possible suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, which grants Israel preferential access to the world’s largest single market. Last month, the Dutch foreign minister, Caspar Veldkamp, b...

Politics

4 d. ago The EU faces a moment of truth. Will it follow through on trade sanctions on Israel – or slide into irrelevance? | Martin Konečný

A human rights review of EU-Israel ties is under way. The results will be significant for both the war and Europe’s reputationAfter many months of inaction and complicity in the face of Israel’s destruction of Gaza, Europe is finally beginning to stir. Tens of thousands of people killed and attacks on schools and hospitals had apparently not been enough. But, along with the blocking of humanitarian aid and open calls for ethnic cleansing, Israel’s actions finally became too severe to ignore, deny or justify. In recent weeks, a cascade of unusually strong statements, diplomatic rebukes and threats of sanctions has emerged from European capitals – each move amplifying the next, as if a long-dormant herd has suddenly jolted into motion.Among these developments, the most significant may be the possible suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, which grants Israel preferential access to the world’s largest single market. Last month, the Dutch foreign minister, Caspar Veldkamp, b...

Politics

2 w. ago Starmer poised to sanction top Israel ministers over Gaza crisis as pressure mounts for tougher UK action

MPs from five different political parties made it clear that the measures announced by foreign secretary David Lammy on Tuesday were not enough

Politics

2 w. ago Britain sanctions Israel and halts trade talks over ‘intolerable’ Gaza crisis

David Lammy condemns ‘monstrous’ actions in Gaza – but MPs from all parties demand an end to arms sales as doctors beg for international help

Politics

2 w. ago Britain halts trade talks and sanctions Israel over ‘intolerable’ Gaza crisis

David Lammy condemns ‘monstrous’ actions in Gaza – but MPs from all parties demand an end to arms sales as doctors beg for international help

Politics

2 w. ago The West has finally spoken up on Gaza – but it must not stop there

Editorial: Britain has hit Israel with further sanctions and suspended trade talks as it dramatically steps up its response to the humanitarian crisis. Now others must join to stop this violence

Politics

2 w. ago Britain sanctions Israel over ‘intolerable’ Gaza crisis and halts trade talks

David Lammy condemns ‘monstrous’ actions in Gaza – but MPs from all parties demand an end to arms sales as doctors beg for international help

Politics

2 w. ago Why Starmer’s government has waited until now to take action on Israel

As David Lammy announces the suspension of trade talks with Israel and new sanctions over the Gaza humanitarian crisis, political editor David Maddox explains why action wasn’t taken sooner

Politics

2 w. ago UK hits Israel with further sanctions and suspends trade talks over Gaza violence

But the foreign secretary was told by MPs from his own and four other political parties that he needs to go further and suspend arms sales to Israel

Events

2 w. ago U.K. suspends free trade talks with Israel and announces sanctions over West Bank settlers

The British government says it is suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and has leveled new sanctions targeting West Bank settlements as it criticizes Israel’s military actions in Gaza

Politics