Israel considers expelling UK from Gaza monitoring centre amid tensions over settlements policy

What happened

Middle East Eye reports that Israel is considering expelling British personnel from the US-described International Gaza Support Center (IGSC), established to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This reportedly follows UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plans to introduce stricter measures against illegal Israeli settlements.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The Financial Times adds that Israel is also contemplating expelling Italy and Germany from the IGSC. The center is led by US military officers working alongside Israeli forces and representatives from dozens of countries. The Dutch have already been expelled recently because of their ban on goods from settlements, and Spain was removed earlier this year over alleged anti-Israel bias.

Burnham, who replaced Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister in July, apologized for his party's previous support of Israel's actions in Gaza and its earlier refusal to back a ceasefire. His government is expected to announce new policies, including a comprehensive ban on goods from illegal settlements, as part of shifting British policy. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has been active in consulting civil society groups to push for stronger measures.

Known from the source

• The International Gaza Support Center (IGSC) monitors the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
• Israel has already expelled Dutch and Spanish officials from the IGSC over political disagreements related to settlement policies.
• The UK government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to introduce stronger measures against illegal Israeli settlements, including a ban on goods.
• Israel is reportedly considering expelling British, Italian, and German officials from the IGSC.
• Benjamin Netanyahu made public comments criticizing the UK, labeling it an "Islamic republic," which the UK government condemned.

What remains unclear

Israel has publicly expressed discontent with the UK, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing Britain as an "Islamic republic" in a controversial comment linked to perceived changes in British media coverage and policy towards Israel. The UK government condemned Netanyahu’s remarks as "completely unacceptable." According to British officials cited by the FT, the expulsion of UK personnel is seen as a probable retaliatory step, although they do not appear overly concerned about it.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Official confirmation by Israel or UK regarding the expulsion of British officials from the IGSC. Whether Italy and Germany are also to be expelled from the IGSC. The precise reasons officially cited by Israel for these potential expulsions.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye Gaza. Open the source.