Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Britain barred Israeli government and military officials from taking part in its flagship international defense and security event in September as London stepped up pressure on Israel over its military offensive to capture and occupy Gaza City.
Israel is normally one of the main exhibitors at the biannual Defense and Security Equipment International conference, but the Ministry of Defense said Thursday that Israeli government officials had not been invited to the event, which runs Sept. 9 through Sept. 12 at the Excel exhibition and convention center in London's Docklands.
"The Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025," a Ministry of Defense spokesman told Politico.
"There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate cease-fire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza."
The ban does not extend to private Israeli arms manufacturers, but their presence at DSEI -- which is run by a private British company but with major backing from the government and armed forces -- was expected to trigger large public demonstrations outside the venue.
