The UK Government has identified Israel as a priority trading partner with which it will negotiate a bilateral trade agreement post-Brexit, replicating its current trade arrangement under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The UK Foreign Office has expressed concern year on year over Israel’s violations of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. These serial violations raise serious questions about the legality of current trade with Israel, especially the arms trade, and must not be left out of discussions on trade moving forward.

The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is worsening daily, with over one million Palestinians living in devastating poverty and some of the highest unemployment rates in the world. This poverty is in large part due to the illegal blockade on the Gaza Strip imposed by Israel. The UK must take action to hold Israel to account for its violations of international law, including its illegal blockade and military attacks on civilians.