The United Kingdom has barred Israeli government officials from attending a major defense trade show in London, reflecting a deteriorating diplomatic rift over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The UK plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September unless Israel takes specified steps toward ending the war. London is pressing for measures to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and end the offensive that began in October 2023. The British Ministry of Defence called Israeli escalation wrong and urged an immediate ceasefire, hostage returns and increased humanitarian aid. Israel condemned the decision as discriminatory and politicized, while private Israeli defense companies remain permitted to attend.
The United Kingdom has said that Israeli officials will not be allowed to attend a major defense trade show next month in London. The move comes amid a deepening diplomatic rift between the two long-standing allies over Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. The UK this month said it plans to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in Septemberunless Israel took specified steps toward ending the war in Gaza.
"The Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong," a statement from the British Ministry of Defence said. "There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza," it added.
Israel has strongly condemned the move, calling it "a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination." It added that the UK's decision "introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition." Private Israeli defense companies will still be allowed to attend the trade fair, which runs from September 9 to September 12.
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