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Pentagon Accepts Boeing 747 Gift from Qatar for Trump’s Use as Air Force One

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Pentagon Accepts Boeing 747 Gift from Qatar for Trump’s Use as Air Force One

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department has accepted a luxury Boeing 747 aircraft from Qatar for use as Air Force One by President Donald Trump, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday, prompting a firestorm of legal, constitutional, and ethical concerns in Washington.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the acquisition during Trump’s recent Middle East trip, where the Qatari government presented the plane as a gift. The move has ignited backlash over potential violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, which bars federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the aircraft was accepted “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations” and that the Defense Department would ensure “proper security measures” are implemented before the aircraft is cleared for presidential use.

Trump defended the arrangement on his social media platform, claiming it would save taxpayer dollars.

“Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE?” Trump wrote during his trip.

However, critics argue the gesture could prove more costly in the long run. The aircraft, described by some as a “palace in the sky,” will require extensive retrofitting to meet Air Force One standards — a process that experts warn could exceed $1 billion and take years to complete.

Democrats, and even several Republicans, have voiced alarm over the implications of the gift. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., blasted the move during a Senate hearing, calling it “unconstitutional” and “a dangerous course of action.”

“Far from saving money, this unconstitutional action will not only cost our nation its dignity, but it will force taxpayers to waste over $1 billion to overhaul this aircraft when we already have two fully operational Air Force One planes,” Duckworth said.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink testified that Secretary Hegseth has already directed the service to begin planning the aircraft’s upgrades, acknowledging that “significant modifications” are needed. The Air Force also confirmed it is preparing to award a classified contract for the upgrade, but details remain restricted due to national security considerations.

Speaking alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, Trump bristled when questioned about the optics of accepting a luxury jet from a foreign monarchy.

“They are giving the United States Air Force a jet,” Trump said. “It’s not to me — it’s to the Air Force, to help us out.”

Ramaphosa, in a light-hearted moment, replied, “I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you,” to which Trump responded, “If your country was offering the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it.”

Trump has not offered a national security justification for accepting the plane rather than waiting for Boeing to complete the new fleet of Air Force One jets already under contract. Those planes, ordered during Trump’s first term, have faced repeated production delays.

In an apparent attempt to ease political tensions, Trump said he does not intend to use the Qatar aircraft once he leaves office. Instead, he suggested it could eventually serve as a centerpiece in a future presidential library, akin to President Ronald Reagan’s retired Boeing 707, now housed in a California museum.

AP

2 Aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada Shot Dead in Daylight Motorcycle Ambush

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2 Aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada Shot Dead in Daylight Motorcycle Ambush

MEXICO CITY  — Two senior aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada were gunned down in broad daylight on Tuesday in the city center, in a brazen motorcycle ambush that has sent shockwaves through the Mexican capital and heightened fears of escalating political violence.

The victims, identified as Ximena Guzman, Brugada’s private secretary, and Jose Munoz, a senior adviser, were killed in what authorities describe as a highly targeted attack that may be linked to organized crime.

According to an official from the federal prosecutor’s office, Guzman was driving to work and had pulled over on a busy downtown avenue to pick up Munoz when two assailants on a motorcycle approached. The gunmen shot Munoz multiple times on the street before firing at least four rounds into Guzman’s vehicle, killing her inside.

Photos published in local media showed a black Audi riddled with bullet holes and two covered bodies — one on the sidewalk and another inside the car — as police cordoned off the area for forensic analysis.

No arrests have been announced and a motive remains unconfirmed, though public security specialists say the style of the killing bears the hallmarks of a cartel-ordered assassination.

“This was a harsh message sent to Clara Brugada,” said David Saucedo, a public security analyst, pointing to the possibility that criminal groups affected by drug seizures or law enforcement pressure orchestrated the hit. Saucedo noted that cartels have previously retaliated against capital city officials.

Mayor Brugada, who was not in the vehicle at the time of the attack, mourned the deaths of her close aides, expressing heartbreak and calling for justice.

“I feel very sad for the loss of Ximena and Pepe (Jose), with whom for many years we shared dreams and struggles,” Brugada said in a statement, visibly shaken.

She vowed there would be no impunity for those behind the killings and thanked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her cabinet for their swift support. Sheinbaum, herself a former mayor of Mexico City, denounced the killings as a “deplorable incident.”

“We are going to give all the support that the mayor may need,” Sheinbaum assured.

The double homicide comes as politically motivated violence intensifies across Mexico, particularly in regions where drug cartels exert heavy influence. While Mexico City has long been considered relatively secure compared to cartel-dominated states, Tuesday’s assassination has shaken that perception.

In 2020, then-Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch, now serving as federal security minister, survived an assassination attempt that killed two of his bodyguards. He later attributed the attack to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.

Authorities have not publicly named any suspects or criminal group linked to the Brugada aides’ murder, but investigators are pursuing multiple leads.

The killings have added to the sense of urgency surrounding Mexico’s security crisis, particularly as the country approaches national elections, where scores of local political figures have been assassinated in recent months.

EU Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria After Fall of Assad Regime

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EU Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria After Fall of Assad Regime

BRUSSELS  — The European Union has officially lifted its economic sanctions on Syria, following the overthrow of Bashar Assad’s regime in December by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, ending decades of autocratic rule.

The announcement came Tuesday from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who posted on X:

“Today, we took the decision to lift our economic sanctions on Syria. We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria.”

The move marks a significant shift in European policy toward Syria, signaling a willingness to engage with the country’s new leadership despite lingering unease over the ideology and stability of the post-Assad government.

The EU first discussed lifting sanctions in February, as part of broader talks aimed at supporting Syria’s rapid recovery after more than a decade of devastating civil war that left the economy in ruins and millions displaced.

While the bloc is easing economic pressure, not all sanctions are being lifted. Measures targeting individuals and entities linked to Assad’s regime, as well as those involved in human rights abuses, will remain intact.

Additionally, export bans on weapons and technology that could be used for domestic repression will continue, reflecting Europe’s caution over the new government’s trajectory.

The decision follows a similar announcement by President Donald Trump last week, in which he confirmed the United States would also remove sanctions on Syria to encourage stabilization under the new administration.

Despite the bold policy shift, officials in Brussels voiced concerns over the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — the Islamist rebel group now in control. The group’s sudden and decisive advance in December brought a dramatic end to Assad’s decades-long rule, but its Islamist ideology and reported internal divisions have raised alarms in European capitals.

“We are giving the Syrian regime a chance,” said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, while emphasizing the EU expects inclusive governance that protects all ethnic and religious communities.

“I think we don’t have a choice,” added Kallas, acknowledging the region’s shifting power dynamics and the need for engagement despite uncertainty.

Clashes among rival factions within Syria have already been reported in recent weeks, fueling skepticism over whether the HTS-led government can ensure lasting peace and uphold human rights.

The EU’s decision comes amid wider geopolitical shifts and an urgent desire to prevent further instability in the Middle East. Humanitarian groups have cautiously welcomed the economic opening, hoping it can alleviate Syria’s worsening poverty and rebuild essential infrastructure.

Man Arrested for Machete Attack on Teen Who Refused Sexual Advances in Abia State, Nigeria

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Man Arrested for Machete Attack on Teen Who Refused Sexual Advances in Abia State, Nigeria

ABIA, Nigeria — Police have detained a 33-year-old man who allegedly attacked a 14-year-old girl with a machete after she refused his sexual advances in Obete Nchina Village, Ntighauzo community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, east of Nigeria.

Chinazum Nwaubani was taken into custody following the violent assault that left Felicia Anaba with severe injuries and temporarily unconscious, according to police reports. The incident has sparked concerns about sexual violence against minors in the region.

The attack occurred when Felicia and her male twin brother were collecting firewood in a bush near their village. According to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Maureen Chinaka, the suspect allegedly approached the twins armed with a machete, grabbed the female twin, and ordered her to lie down and remove her clothing.

“When she refused, the suspect allegedly attacked her with the machete, inflicting injuries on her head, back, and leg,” Chinaka confirmed in an official statement.

The girl’s twin brother managed to escape the attack and immediately alerted family members, who organized a search party. Rescuers found Felicia unconscious in a pool of blood with deep machete cuts to her head, leg, and hand.

Mr. Chijioke Anaba, father of the victim, described the traumatic discovery: “My daughter had fallen into coma when she was rescued by the search party in the bush. We took her to the hospital and lodged a report with the Police at the Eastern Ngwa Division.”

The case has been complicated by allegations from the victim’s father that police at Eastern Ngwa Division demanded ₦30,000 ($20 USD) to investigate the matter. He also expressed concern that authorities might release the suspect, who is from the same village as the victim’s family.

“The police should do their job because the boy is now a risk to the people in the village. The Police are saying he is a mad man but it’s not true,” Mr. Anaba stated. He further appealed to Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, for assistance with his daughter’s medical care, fearing she might suffer permanent disability from the attack.

The Abia State Police Command has firmly denied the allegations of soliciting money. DSP Chinaka addressed the claim, stating: “We have no such report, as no one has come forward with evidence. This is not a time when anyone can simply make unverified allegations. Anyone with credible evidence is kindly advised to report to the Complaint Response Unit for proper investigation.”

Authorities confirmed the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue. Police have not officially commented on claims regarding the suspect’s mental health status but have assured the public that justice will be served in the case.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about sexual violence against minors in Nigeria, where advocacy groups have reported rising cases of assault against vulnerable children, particularly in rural communities with limited security presence.

Health officials familiar with similar cases note that victims of such attacks often require extensive physical and psychological treatment, with recovery periods extending months or years depending on the severity of injuries.

Punchng

Man Sets Family on Fire Over Alleged Infidelity, Daughter Killed in Abia State Blaze

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Man Sets Family on Fire Over Alleged Infidelity, Daughter Killed in Abia State Blaze

OSISIOMA, Nigeria  — A horrific case of domestic violence has rocked Abia State, Nigeria, after a man allegedly set his wife and children ablaze over suspicions of infidelity, killing one of his daughters and severely injuring the others. The incident occurred in the Asa Umudim community of Osisioma Local Government Area in the early hours of Saturday.

The suspect, identified as Udochi Amala, age 40, reportedly drenched his home with a flammable substance before igniting the fire. His actions, allegedly fueled by accusations that his wife was engaging in extramarital affairs and receiving frequent calls from suspected lovers, resulted in a deadly blaze.

One of the couple’s daughters died in the inferno, while the wife, Amarachi Amala, and two other children sustained critical burns. An unconfirmed report later indicated that Amarachi and the two surviving children succumbed to their injuries on Monday at an undisclosed hospital.

Amala, who was also burned in the incident, allegedly tried to flee the scene but was apprehended by police following intervention from enraged community members who nearly lynched him. The body of the deceased child has been taken to a mortuary, and the suspect remains in custody.

In a disturbing initial confession, Amala reportedly said, “I have an issue with my wife, and I did not know that it would get to this extent. I am tired of this life.” He also admitted he had not caught his wife with another man, according to early reports.

The Abia State Police Command,Nigeria, through its Public Relations Officer DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident: “Yes, the police are aware. Investigation is ongoing.”

The case has drawn condemnation from advocacy groups, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abia State branch, which denounced the act as a “gross violation of human rights and dignity.”

In a joint statement signed by Chairperson Njideka Aniawonwa and Secretary Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, FIDA Abia expressed “shock, outrage, and deep concern” over the incident. The group called for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims, while demanding stronger protections for women and children vulnerable to domestic violence.

“This tragic event underscores the urgent need for communities and authorities to take domestic violence and child abuse more seriously,” the statement read. “We urge the public to report such cases promptly and support survivors in rebuilding their lives.”

Authorities have yet to release an official update on the condition of the surviving family members or formal charges against the suspect. Meanwhile, the community of Asa Umudim continues to mourn the devastating loss.

Poland to Prosecute Suspect in Alleged Russian Plot to Assassinate Zelenskiy

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Poland to Prosecute Suspect in Alleged Russian Plot to Assassinate Zelenskiy

WARSAW, Poland  — Polish prosecutors have formally indicted a man accused of working with Russian military intelligence in an alleged plot to facilitate the assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, authorities announced Tuesday.

The suspect, identified only as Pawel K., was arrested in April 2024 following a joint investigation between Polish and Ukrainian authorities. He faces up to eight years in prison if convicted under espionage-related charges.

According to the Polish National Prosecutor’s Office, Pawel K. had expressed a willingness to collaborate with Russian foreign intelligence services and had established communications with individuals directly involved in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“The activities were intended to support the planning by Russian special services of a potential assassination attempt on the life of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy,” the prosecutor’s statement said.

Prosecutors allege that Pawel K.’s role was to gather sensitive intelligence about security measures at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland, a key logistical hub for Western military aid and humanitarian shipments to Ukraine. This airport has played a vital role in the international response to Russia’s invasion and has hosted several high-level delegations and transits by Ukrainian officials.

Officials emphasized that his actions were aimed at aiding a foreign military entity in hostile activities, citing evidence of direct links with operatives involved in Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Poland has repeatedly warned that it is a top target for Russian espionage due to its pivotal role in supporting Ukraine. Polish officials accuse both Russia and Belarus of conducting coordinated efforts to destabilize the country through cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and infiltration by intelligence operatives — claims the Kremlin has consistently denied.

The latest indictment underscores escalating security concerns in Central Europe as the war in Ukraine continues to pose threats beyond its borders. Warsaw has significantly ramped up counterintelligence efforts in recent years, particularly in light of increasing sabotage attempts and alleged plots targeting critical infrastructure and political figures across NATO-member states.

The case against Pawel K. is expected to proceed to trial in the coming months.

Passenger Jet Aborts Takeoff at LaGuardia to Avoid Runway Collision, FAA and NTSB Investigating

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Passenger Jet Aborts Takeoff at LaGuardia to Avoid Runway Collision, FAA and NTSB Investigating

NEW YORK — Federal aviation authorities are investigating a near-collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport after a Republic Airways jet was forced to abort its takeoff to avoid striking a United Airlines plane that was still taxiing across the runway.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on May 6, prompting emergency braking that injured at least one passenger and reigniting concerns about runway safety at major U.S. airports.

Renee Hoffer, a passenger on the Republic Airways flight operated for American Airlines, said the sudden stop hurled everyone forward in their seats. By the next day, she was in the emergency room with neck pain and numbness in her left arm. “The stop was as hard as any car accident I’ve been in,” she said.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed Monday they are investigating the incident. According to preliminary findings, the Republic Airways jet was accelerating down the runway when it had to come to a screeching halt because a United plane was still taxiing across. The airport is equipped with advanced surface radar systems designed to prevent such close calls, but the technology failed to avert this one.

Audio obtained by ABC News via LiveATC.net captured an air traffic controller telling the Republic pilot, “Sorry, I thought United had cleared well before that.” At the time, the Republic pilot was receiving instructions from the tower, while the United aircraft was being directed on a separate frequency by a ground controller after missing its designated taxiway exit.

Passengers expressed frustration after the event, claiming they were denied hotel vouchers despite the abrupt stop being linked to an operational failure, not weather. One traveler reportedly used a flight tracking app to show that another aircraft had remained on the runway, contradicting the airline’s explanation.

Hoffer said her efforts to contact the airline and the FAA have gone unanswered. She continues to suffer from what ER doctors diagnosed as a pinched nerve in her neck. “It’s been a customer service nightmare,” she said.

The incident adds to a growing list of high-profile runway incursions that have troubled aviation officials. In February 2023, an American Airlines plane nearly collided with a Delta jet in Austin, and in another case, a Southwest Airlines flight narrowly avoided crashing into a business jet in Chicago.

LaGuardia is among only 35 U.S. airports equipped with the FAA’s ASDE-X radar system, which tracks aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways. However, most of the nation’s 490 control tower airports still rely on less sophisticated tools, such as binoculars, due to the high cost of upgrading.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called for expanded deployment of advanced systems as part of a broader air traffic control overhaul, but the technology is not infallible. Despite investments, runway incursions have persisted, with roughly 30 incidents per million takeoffs and landings over the past decade. In 2023, the FAA recorded 22 of the most serious incursions, a figure that dropped to just 7 last year.

To further enhance safety, the FAA is considering new systems that would send alerts directly to pilots rather than relying solely on air traffic controllers. Honeywell International has been developing such technology, but it has yet to receive FAA certification.

The ongoing investigations into the LaGuardia near miss are part of a broader effort to address one of aviation’s most persistent risks. The deadliest aviation accident in history—a 1977 runway collision between two 747s in Tenerife, Spain—still looms large as a stark reminder of what can go wrong when ground coordination fails. That disaster claimed 583 lives.

For passengers like Hoffer, the May 6 incident was a chilling reminder of those dangers. “We were lucky,” she said. “But next time, it could be worse.”

Thousands Protest After Suspected Drone Strike Kills 4 Children in Northwest Pakistan

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Thousands Protest After Suspected Drone Strike Kills 4 Children in Northwest Pakistan

MIR ALI, Pakistan  — Thousands of angry protesters filled the streets of northwest Pakistan on Tuesday after a suspected drone strike killed four children and injured five others, triggering outrage in the militancy-plagued town of Mir Ali, where demonstrators refused to bury the victims until authorities identify those responsible.

CAPTION CORRECTS TO MATCH TEXT STORY – People participate in Tiranga Yatra or tricolor march to highlight the success of Operation Sindoor under which India struck targets inside Pakistan it said were affiliated with militants responsible for the massacre of 26 tourists last month in Indian-controlled Kashmir, in Ahmedabad, India, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

The deadly strike occurred Monday in Mir Ali, a town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province long associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) activity. Residents, joined by tribal elders, placed the children’s bodies along a main road, demanding answers from the government and chanting “We want justice” as they blocked a major thoroughfare.

“We are not blaming anyone yet, but we demand justice,” said local elder Mufti Baitullah. “The government must tell us who killed our innocent children. We will not bury the bodies until we know who is responsible.”

The Pakistani military has not commented on the incident, and it remains unclear who launched the drone. No group has claimed responsibility, and officials have yet to confirm whether the strike originated from a state or militant-operated drone.

Tensions have surged across the region, where drone strikes have become increasingly controversial. In March, a drone targeting militants in the city of Mardan left 11 civilians dead, including women and children. That incident sparked widespread protests until the government agreed to compensate victims’ families.

Security experts say that in addition to state actors, some militant groups have begun using quadcopters and drones to strike military positions. “It’s unclear whether the Mir Ali attack was carried out by a state or a non-state actor,” said Abdullah Khan, director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. “Both have access to this technology now.”

Mir Ali, located near the Afghan border, has long been a stronghold for the Pakistani Taliban, also known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The group, distinct from the Afghan Taliban, frequently targets security forces in the area. Military operations in the region have intensified in recent months as the government attempts to suppress insurgent activity.

Nayak Muhammad Dawar, a provincial minister, condemned the attack and confirmed that a formal investigation is underway. “The loss of innocent lives is unacceptable,” he said in a statement.

Residents warned that the protests could escalate if authorities fail to provide a transparent account of the incident. Baitullah said the people of Mir Ali will not rest until accountability is served.

As anger simmers and families mourn, the tragedy highlights the enduring human cost of conflict in Pakistan’s tribal regions, where civilians are often caught in the crossfire between insurgents and state forces. Calls for transparency and justice grow louder, while political leaders remain under pressure to explain how four children came to be the latest victims of an invisible war waged from the sky.

U.S. Launches First Voluntary Deportation Flight to Honduras, Colombia with 68 Migrants

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U.S. Launches First Voluntary Deportation Flight to Honduras, Colombia with 68 Migrants

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras  — The United States on Monday carried out its first government-funded flight under a newly launched voluntary deportation program, sending 68 migrants back to Honduras and Colombia as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.

The flight, which departed from Houston, Texas, arrived in San Pedro Sula carrying 38 Hondurans—including 19 children—who accepted the Biden administration’s offer to leave the country voluntarily in exchange for financial assistance and a potential path to legal reentry. Each adult migrant received a $1,000 prepaid debit card from the U.S. government and assurances they could later apply for lawful immigration.

Aboard the same flight were 26 Colombian nationals, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“This is about providing migrants the opportunity to leave with dignity, resources, and a chance to pursue legal entry in the future,” said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support. If not, you will face fines, arrest, deportation, and a permanent ban on reentry.”

President Trump has vowed to significantly ramp up deportations during his second term, pairing the voluntary program with highly publicized enforcement measures. These include mass detentions and the controversial transfer of several hundred Venezuelan migrants to a maximum-security facility in El Salvador.

While experts say the voluntary deportation initiative may appeal only to a limited number of undocumented migrants already inclined to return, it marks a major policy pivot toward incentivized repatriation.

One returnee, Kevin Antonio Posadas of Tegucigalpa, said he had lived in Houston for three years before opting into the program. “I wanted to see my family and my mom,” Posadas said after arriving in San Pedro Sula. “The process was easy. You just apply through the CBP Home App and in three days you’ve got it. It’s good because you save the cost of the flight if you already planned to leave.”

Posadas said he liked life in the U.S. and was not fearful of deportation, but had been weighing a return to Honduras for some time. He added that he might consider applying for legal entry into the U.S. in the future under the terms of the program.

Honduran officials welcomed the migrants at the airport. Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio García said his government would supplement the U.S. aid with $100 in cash and an additional $200 in credit at a government-run store selling essential goods.

Among the arrivals were four U.S.-born children, García confirmed, noting that several families cited increasing difficulties in the U.S., including rising hostility, legal uncertainty, and fear of workplace enforcement.

“Some of them told me they didn’t feel safe working anymore. They were tired of the tension,” García said.

Still, officials downplayed the likelihood of a mass exodus. Honduras’ immigration director Wilson Paz said deportation numbers remain lower than last year’s. About 13,500 Hondurans have been returned from the U.S. so far this year, compared to more than 15,000 by the same time in 2024.

While the Trump administration is pushing to accelerate removals, Paz said he expects only moderate participation in the self-deportation program. “I don’t think it will be thousands who apply,” he said. “But our duty is to ensure that those who do return are supported and do so in an orderly way.”

The program underscores the Trump administration’s broader goal of reshaping the immigration system through both deterrence and incentive-based strategies. Whether the voluntary departures will gain momentum remains to be seen amid ongoing legal, political, and humanitarian debates over immigration enforcement.

U.K. Halts Free Trade Talks With Israel, Imposes Sanctions on West Bank Settlers Amid Gaza Offensive

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U.K. Halts Free Trade Talks With Israel, Imposes Sanctions on West Bank Settlers Amid Gaza Offensive

LONDON  — The United Kingdom suspended free trade negotiations with Israel and announced a new round of sanctions targeting West Bank settlers on Tuesday, intensifying diplomatic pressure over the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza and what it called “egregious” Israeli conduct.

The dramatic policy shift came hours after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, issued a stern joint warning that Israel must halt its renewed offensive in Gaza or face “concrete actions.”

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the government would no longer advance talks on updating its trade agreement with Israel, citing unacceptable Israeli policies in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. “History will judge them,” Lammy said in a press briefing. “Blocking aid. Expanding the war. Dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible. And it must stop.”

Lammy detailed sanctions against three individuals, two illegal settler outposts, and two organizations supporting violence against Palestinian communities. He said Israel’s government was openly facilitating illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank — a move he described as a direct threat to regional stability and international law.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry quickly pushed back, calling the measures “unjustified and regrettable.” Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein claimed that trade talks had stalled for unrelated reasons and accused the U.K. of politicizing diplomacy.

Tensions between London and Jerusalem escalated further when Israeli Ambassador to the U.K. Tzipi Hotovely was summoned to the Foreign Office. Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer called Israel’s 11-week blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza “cruel and indefensible.”

Speaking to lawmakers earlier in the day, Starmer said the suffering of children in Gaza was “utterly intolerable” and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire. “We are horrified by the escalation from Israel,” he said, stressing that ongoing conflict is undermining both humanitarian efforts and global security.

The diplomatic backlash is part of a broader trend of growing international disapproval. Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 taken hostage, global support for Israel has waned amid its sustained military retaliation. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 53,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have died in the campaign, though the tally does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Despite international calls for restraint, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week that Israel would press forward until it had full control over the Gaza Strip. He dismissed criticism from allies as a “huge prize” for Hamas.

Though Israel began allowing limited aid deliveries this week after a near-total blockade lasting nearly three months, U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called the gesture a “drop in the ocean” compared to the immense needs of Gaza’s besieged population. Dozens of aid trucks reportedly entered Gaza on Tuesday, but Fletcher said far more was necessary to avert famine.

Meanwhile, pressure on Israel continues to mount from across Europe. French President Macron has intensified diplomatic efforts in recent weeks, calling for a full ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian blockade. Macron also said France may soon formally recognize a Palestinian state — a move that could coincide with an upcoming international summit on the two-state solution.

In October, Macron drew the ire of Netanyahu after he proposed halting weapons shipments for use in Gaza and excluded Israeli defense contractors from the Euronaval trade exhibition. The European Union, along with the U.S., U.K., and Canada, has already sanctioned multiple Israeli settler groups for violent attacks on Palestinians and illegal development activities in the West Bank.

Though the sanctions include asset freezes and visa bans, analysts have questioned their efficacy, noting that previous measures had minimal deterrent effect.

Violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have surged since the October 2023 conflict reignited. While the Israeli government claims such violence comes from extremist fringes, Palestinians accuse Israeli forces of enabling — or at least failing to prevent — a broader effort to displace them from their land.

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