LONDON — The UK has barred Israeli government officials from attending the country's biggest arms fair over growing concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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The decision does not cover representatives of Israeli defense contractors, who will be allowed to attend the DSEI UK exhibition, scheduled for Sept. 9-12 in London. The event was formerly known as Defense and Security Equipment International.

"The Israeli Government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong," the British government said in a statement. "As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025."

The decision comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel takes steps to end the crisis in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas and commits to a long-term peace agreement. Britain previously barred sales to Israel of any arms that could be used in the nearly 23-month war in Gaza.

Israel's Defense Ministry said the decision was based on politics and "serves extremists."

"These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel's representatives," the ministry said.

The Israeli ministry said it would withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion.

Pro-Palestinian and anti-war groups have announced plans to for protests during DSEI, which will take place at the Excel center in east London.