Former British and French Diplomats Urge Sanctions Over Gaza

More than one hundred former British and French diplomats have addressed a joint letter to Macron and Burnham. The document states that Palestine is disappearing before global observers. The signatories accuse Israel of ethnic cleansing and note that international confidence in Israel as a democracy has declined.

The letter outlines specific economic and diplomatic measures. It recommends suspending the European Union association pact and the United Kingdom partnership deal due to alleged human rights violations. The authors also call for an immediate halt to all arms transfers and bilateral military cooperation.

Additional proposals focus on Gaza and settlement activity. The diplomats demand unrestricted humanitarian access led by the UN Relief and Works Agency and other agencies. They suggest penalties for entities that block aid or restrict journalists and officials. The letter also calls for a complete trade embargo on Israeli settlements. It warns investors and bidders that British and French financial interests will face consequences for supporting settlement expansion.

Finally, the document recommends criminalizing property purchases by British and French nationals on Palestinian land. It also suggests stripping charitable status from organizations that fund settlement projects. The signatories urge both governments to follow rulings from the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

Source: The Guardian · https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/22/uk-france-diplomats-israel-palestine