The United Kingdom government has barred Israeli officials from attending the country's largest arms fair, citing concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While representatives from Israeli defense companies will still be permitted at the DSEI exhibition in London, the decision excludes any official government delegation. This move follows previous restrictions on arms sales to Israel and signals increasing diplomatic pressure, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer has threatened to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and a long-term peace plan.

Israel's Defense Ministry criticized the ban, calling it a political act that discriminates against Israeli representatives, and announced it would withdraw from the exhibition and not host a national pavilion. The arms fair is expected to draw protests from pro-Palestinian and anti-war groups.

Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to reduce humanitarian aid to northern Gaza as it intensifies its military offensive, declaring Gaza City a combat zone and urging residents to evacuate south. Aid groups warn that the planned evacuation and reduction in aid could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation, with the death toll in Gaza continuing to rise.