The US ambassador to Israel has accused the Labour government of “Jew hate” following remarks by Ed Miliband, who claimed vital medicines destined for Gaza were being blocked. This statement comes as tensions rise over the UK’s policy towards Israel amid discussions about potential sanctions, reports BritPanorama.
The accusation from the ambassador surfaced after the foreign secretary posted a video detailing accounts from individuals working inside Gaza. Miliband described the situation as horrific, citing testimonies of children dying while awaiting essential, life-saving treatment.
In reaction, Mike Huckabee expressed his discontent on social media, stating, “The Brits have lost it. The Jew hate of their government knows no boundaries and knows no facts.” This exchange reflects a deepening rift in diplomatic exchanges over humanitarian concerns in the region.
The controversy emerged just days after Miliband indicated that the UK would “reset” its policy on Israel, coinciding with plans to impose sanctions on the country over its illegal settlements in the West Bank. In response, Israel’s foreign ministry denied any restrictions on medication entering Gaza, accusing Miliband of spreading unfounded narratives.
The issue of restricted medical supplies is not new. A previous report by the charity Physicians for Human Rights and the Global Human Rights Clinic highlighted substantial limitations on food and medical aid reaching Gaza, with cases reported where chemotherapy drugs ran out during treatment.
Tom Fletcher, the UN humanitarian chief, noted in June that while aid levels had increased, they remained inadequate, especially for critical supplies like prosthetic limbs. Additionally, aid organizations have reported that restrictions on engine oil and spare parts hinder the functioning of hospitals in Gaza.
Historically, the UK government has been critical of Israel’s handling of aid to Gaza. In August 2025, David Lammy, the foreign secretary at the time, expressed outrage at Israel’s insufficient provision of aid to the territory. In this context, Miliband, whose family history includes Jewish refugees from Nazi persecution, has called for a “comprehensive reset” of British policy towards Israel, urging the government to take more decisive action to improve conditions in Gaza.
However, the potential shift in UK-Israeli relations raises concerns, as highlighted by shadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat. He warned that damaging diplomatic ties could pose a threat to UK security, citing the critical nature of intelligence cooperation with Israel.
This evolving narrative speaks to the complex interplay of humanitarian issues and international diplomacy, illustrating the delicate balance the UK must navigate in its foreign policy towards Israel and Gaza.
