Israel Slams UK Foreign Minister Over Gaza Aid Claims, Accuses Government of Antisemitism

Israel's Foreign Ministry and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee have strongly criticized British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband for his statements regarding the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Miliband had claimed to have heard testimonies about blocked medicine and children dying while awaiting treatment, describing the health situation as "horrible" and urging the UK government to act with "more determination."

Jerusalem immediately refuted these claims, with the Foreign Ministry stating that there are no restrictions on medicine entering Gaza. Israel cited figures indicating that 22,500 tons of medical supplies have entered Gaza since the October 2025 ceasefire, and that approximately 200 Gazans have left for medical treatment abroad in the past two weeks. Israel also pointed out the UK's participation in the International Support Center for Gaza in Kiryat Gat, which coordinates humanitarian and medical aid.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry asserted that Miliband is aware of these facts and accused him of prioritizing a message for his domestic political audience. Ambassador Huckabee escalated the criticism, writing on X that the British government is driven by "hatred of Jews" and has "lost its mind," a statement made despite Miliband's own Jewish heritage.

This dispute occurs amidst deteriorating relations between the UK and Israel. The British government is reportedly considering new measures against Israel in response to the planned E1 settlement construction between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, which Miliband called "unacceptable and destructive." Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has warned of retaliation if the UK imposes sanctions, suggesting Israel might reduce British involvement in the Kiryat Gat coordination center.