Britain now seems likely to wait to see if Israel will allow a measurable increase in aid to Gaza, according to officials. If the situation in the Gaza Strip improves, it could further defer a decision on whether to blacklist Mr. Ben-Gvir and Mr. Smotrich, who favor relocating Palestinians outside of Gaza, which would be a grave breach of international law. British officials are similarly ambivalent about when to recognize an independent Palestinian state, a step taken by Norway, Spain and Ireland. France is considering such a move and has encouraged Britain to act in concert with it, potentially at a summit meeting in June. The debate has laid bare differences between the Foreign Office, which is viewed as more forward-leaning, and 10 Downing Street, which is viewed as more cautious.

Source: The Times May 29, 2025 14:42 UTC