The US ambassador to Israel has accused the British government of harboring “Jew hate” following criticism by former UK Labour leader Ed Miliband over conditions in Gaza. The dispute underscores mounting tensions amid a long-running debate on aid access to the Palestinian territory.

Miliband, who is Jewish, posted a video on social media on Friday, shared by the British Foreign Office, describing the situation in Gaza as “horrific.” He cited reports alleging that medicines were being blocked from entering the area and expressed concern over children dying while awaiting critical medical treatment. He called on the UK government to take stronger action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s foreign ministry swiftly rejected Miliband’s claims, denying any restrictions on medical supplies and accusing him of spreading unfounded “stories.” The ministry’s statement maintained that there is no impediment to the delivery of medicines into Gaza.

In response, Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, intensified the criticism in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Huckabee stated, “The Brits have lost it. The Jew hate of their government knows no boundaries and knows no facts,” directly accusing the UK government of antisemitism. His comments signal a marked deterioration in diplomatic relations between the UK and Israel.

The debate over humanitarian access to Gaza has persisted for more than two years. In August 2025, David Lammy, then the UK foreign secretary, publicly expressed outrage at Israel’s refusal to permit sufficient aid deliveries into the territory, highlighting ongoing international concerns.

The World Health Organization, multiple United Nations agencies, and various aid organizations have previously accused Israel of restricting the flow of aid and medical supplies into Gaza. Israel has consistently denied these allegations.

Separately, in a move unrelated to the Gaza dispute but of geopolitical significance, UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has committed to transferring control over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The arrangement would involve an annual payment averaging £101 million (at 2025-26 prices) for 99 years, totaling approximately £3.4 billion. The islands host the Diego Garcia military base and this agreement places the UK on a potential collision course with former US President Donald Trump.

The UK Foreign Office did not provide an immediate response to the controversy over Miliband’s comments and the subsequent diplomatic fallout.