Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a fiery statement after the U.K. suspended free trade talks over Jerusalem’s handling of the war in Gaza. The U.K. simultaneously imposed new sanctions on the West Bank as it condemned the “persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.”

The ministry claimed that talks for a new U.K.-Israel free trade agreement were already at a standstill before London’s announcement on Tuesday. Additionally, it accused the U.K. of harming its own citizens due to its “anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations.”

“Even prior to today’s announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote. “More than that, the agreement would serve the mutual benefit of both countries. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy – that is its own prerogative.”

Israel also slammed the additional sanctions on the West Bank in light of the recent death of Tzeela Gez, an Israeli woman who was shot and killed in a terror attack while she was en route to the hospital to give birth. The Israeli Foreign Ministry noted that doctors are still “fighting for her newborn’s life.”

ISRAELI AMBASSADOR LASHES OUT AT UN OFFICIAL, CONDEMNS UK, FRANCE, CANADA STATEMENT ON AID

The ministry dismissed the U.K.’s threats toward the end of the post, saying, “[T]he British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction.”

Palestinians continue their daily lives amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza on Feb. 10, 2025. (Mahmoud ssa/Anadolu via Getty Images)

HAMAS CAPTIVITY SURVIVORS APPEAL TO NETANYAHU, TRUMP AFTER EDAN ALEXANDER’S RELEASE

U.K. Foreign Minister David Lammy announced the suspension of trade talks as he addressed British lawmakers, saying Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariot, marked a “dark new phase in this conflict.” In his announcement, Lammy said “the Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary.”

Lammy reiterated U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s demand that Israel allow aid to flow into the Gaza Strip. In a joint statement from the U.K., France and Canada, the countries urged Israel to work with the United Nations to “ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles.”

“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response,” the statement read.

Israel stopped the flow of aid into the Gaza Strip 11 weeks ago, but has resumed allowing limited aid. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told Fox News that the NGOs that are being allowed to distribute aid have ensured that Hamas has not infiltrated their ranks or taken aid meant for civilians.

The U.K. is demanding that Israel allow more aid into the Gaza Strip. (Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu via Getty Images/File)

ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER SLAMS UN, CALLS IT ‘ROTTEN, ANTI-ISRAEL, AND ANTISEMITIC BODY’

While aid is being allowed to enter Gaza, Israel has faced backlash over the stringent restrictions, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot saying it was “insufficient.”

Tom Fletcher, the U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator who recently accused Israel of committing genocide, described the aid as “a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed” and called for “significantly more aid” to Gaza.

“We have been reassured that our work will be facilitated through existing, proven mechanisms. I am grateful for that reassurance, and Israel’s agreement to humanitarian notification measures that reduce the immense security threats of the operation. I am determined that our aid reach those in greatest need, and that the risk of theft by Hamas or other armed groups is minimized,” Fletcher said in a statement.

Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.

Published on
21/05/2025 – 4:47 GMT+2

Belgian authorities have formally requested the European Parliament to revoke the immunity of five Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in connection with an investigation into corruption and influence peddling associated with the Chinese technology company Huawei.

The request pertains to five MEPs, three affiliated with the European People’s Party (EPP), one representing the Socialists & Democrats (S&D), and one from Renew Europe.

A probe into the allegations commenced two months ago following searches carried out in the offices of the European Parliament.

The Belgian Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against eight individuals, alleging suspicions of money laundering, involvement in an organised criminal enterprise, and active corruption.

The accusations against the MEPs pertain to their involvement in corrupt practices in return for lobbying efforts on behalf of Huawei and endorsing legislation advantageous to the company.

The request to revoke immunity has been confirmed by a few EU officials. While the full list of MEPs involved in the scandal has yet to be released, a number of the parliamentarians came forward and confirmed that a request to revoke their immunity was filed.

Italian lawmaker Salvatore de Meo of the EPP, Maltese MEP Daniel Attard of the Socialists and Bulgarian parliamentarian Nikola Minchev of Renew Europe have all confirmed they were targeted by Belgian authorities.

“This is related to the investigation into my former assistant. The Belgian prosecution has not made any specific accusations against me, but wants to check whether anything improper may have taken place,” said Minchev.

Minchev says that he attended a football match of which the tickets were sourced by an individual affiliated with his former assistant, who had links with Huawei. The Bulgarian lawmaker denied any knowledge of who provided the tickets.

“The Belgian authorities want to verify whether anything inappropriate occurred. That’s why I’m calling for my immunity to be lifted as quickly as possible, so the matter can be clarified and it becomes clear that I have nothing to do with any unauthorised or illegal activity.”

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is expected to officially announce the full list of MEPs involved in the scandal in the opening of a plenary session on Wednesday.

Additional sources • EBU

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Billionaire Elon Musk said Tuesday he’s committed to being CEO of Tesla in five years’ time as the automaker faced intense consumer and stockprice pressure over his work with President Donald Trump’s government.

The question came as Musk made a video appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum hosted by Bloomberg after Musk recently traveled to Doha as part of Trump’s Mideast trip last week.

A moderator asked: “Do you see yourself and are you committed to still being the chief executive of Tesla in five years’ time?”

Musk responded: “Yes.”

The moderator pushed further: “No doubt about that at all?”

Musk added, chuckling: “I can’t be still here if I’m dead.”

Tesla has faced intense pressure as Musk worked with Trump as part of its self-described Department of Government Efficiency effort, particularly amid its campaign of cuts across the U.S. federal government.