David Cameron

2024-05-08

The published a video on Wednesday saying, “Recognizing a Palestinian state after the October 7th attacks, the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, would be like handing over an Islamic state on a silver platter to Osama bin Laden after the September 11th attacks.” The 40-second video shows clips of footage of as text is superimposed, explaining why recognizing a Palestinian state is not a way to promote peace. The video argues that recognizing “means rewarding Hamas for murder” and that the best way to promote peace is “through direct negotiations, not through rewarding violence.”  The video concludes by urging the world to “pressure Hamas to surrender and release the hostages.” At the end, “Don’t reward Hamas, don’t reward Iran. Say no to terrorism” appears in white across a black background.  Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted the video on X, formerly Twitter, quoting the video in his caption. Recognizing a Palestinian State after October 7 means rewarding Hamas for murdering over 1,000 Israelis. It means giving a prize to the Iranian Regime. It means living with the possibility of another October 7. The only way to promote peace is through direct… This video was published amid calls from leaders across Western countries for a two-state solution, meaning recognizing a Palestinian state.  FM Israel Katz tagged a series of world leaders in his tweet, including, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, UK Secretary of State David Cameron, German FM Annalena Baerbock, Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and several others.  ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-03

Britain on Friday announced new sanctions on "extremist Israeli groups" and several individuals who it said were behind violence in the West Bank, according to a statement from the British foreign ministry. This is the second UK sanction package targeting individuals in the , with the first being announced by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in mid-February. This most recent announcement was made by British Foreign Secretary , with the sanctions specifically against two groups and four individuals "responsible for perpetrating human rights abuses" against Palestinian communities. The most recent sanctions include an asset freeze preventing the targeted Israeli groups and individuals from dealing with funds with UK citizens or businesses, and a travel ban to the United Kingdom. The two groups are Hilltop Youth and Lehava, with the former being described by the ministry which "establishes illegal settler outposts across the West Bank with the stated mission of expelling all Palestinians from the Occupied Territories." The latter was accused of also "facilitating, inciting, and promoting violence against Arab and Palestinian communities." The four individuals sanctioned are Noam Federman, former leader and spokesperson of the now defunct Kach party, who was accused of training settler groups to commit violence against Palestinians and avoid repercussions; Neria Ben Pazi, for building illegal outposts between 2015-2023; Eden Levi, who was documented taking parts in assaults of Palestinians, and has now been accused by the British foreign ministry of being involved in an incident where Palestinians were beaten and sexually assaulted five days after October 7; and Elisha Yered, an unofficial spokesperson for Hilltop Youth who has allegedly made statements inciting violence that include justifying Palestinian deaths for religious reasons and called for the expulsion of Palestinians from the West Bank. Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron gestures as he speaks in Leeds, Britain September 11, 2015. Cameron said on Friday he was extremely worried about the political crisis in Northern Ireland where the power-sharing government is on the brink of collapse. (credit: REUTERS/John Giles/Pool) "Extremist settlers are undermining security and stability and threatening prospects for peace," Cameron said. "The Israeli authorities must clamp down on those responsible." Cameron also threatened that the UK would apply further sanctions should Israel not abide by his demands on the . Reuters contributed to this report. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-29

Israel has reduced the number of it demands to be released in the first phase of the hostage deal to 33, according to a Monday Kan News report. According to a New York Times exclusive, Israel initially sought to release 40 hostages, including women, children, the seriously ill, and female soldiers. However, a revision occurred partly due to Israel's belief, as indicated by one official, that some of the 40 captives may have died while in captivity. The shift has sparked hopes that Hamas and Israel may be moving towards finalizing their first truce since a weeklong ceasefire in November, during which Hamas released 105 in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq mentioned on social media on Monday that Hamas was reviewing a new Israeli proposal, although he did not disclose its details. During his visit to Riyadh, British Foreign Minister David Cameron discussed negotiations regarding a ceasefire deal and the release of hostages. He mentioned a proposal for a 40-day ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of  the hostages. Cameron emphasized support for a two-state solution with security assurances for Israel and noted that the conflict persists until all abductees are freed. He also highlighted that the departure of Hamas leaders from Gaza could pave the way for a political solution. This follows US Secretary of State visiting Saudi Arabia on Monday morning. During his visit, he urged Hamas to accept the latest proposal for a Gaza truce, which he described as "extraordinarily generous." Blinken noted "measurable progress" in Gaza's humanitarian situation in recent weeks but called on Israel to increase its efforts.  This is a developing story. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-28

Iraq's parliament on Saturday passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence, in a move it said aimed to uphold religious values but was condemned by rights advocates as the latest attack on the LGBTQ+ community in the country. Under the new law, transgender people could also be sent to prison for between one and three years. Furthermore, those who promote homosexuality or prostitution, doctors who perform gender reassignment surgery, men who "intentionally" act like women and those who engage in "wife swapping" will also face prison terms under the new legislation. This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking manage preferences. LGBTQ+ people have long been targeted by the Iraqi authorities. Human rights organisations have also detailed cases of abduction, torture, rape and murder. Rasha Younes, Interim Co-Deputy Director at Human Rights Watch, said the new law highlighted Iraq's "appalling record of rights violations against LGBT people, adding insult to injury for Iraqi LGBT people already facing cyclical violence and threats to their lives by armed groups." This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking manage preferences. Supporters of the reform say the legislation helps to uphold religious values in the country. MP Amir al-Maamouri on Saturday told Shafaq News that the new law was "a significant step in combating sexual deviancy given the infiltration of unique cases contradicting Islamic and societal values." Passing the bill was openly until after Iraq's Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's visit to the United States earlier this month, according to lawmaker Raed al-Maliki, who advanced the amendments. "We didn't want to impact the visit," al-Maliki told the AFP, adding that it was "an internal matter and we do not accept any interference in Iraqi affairs." Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department called the passing of the law reforms a threat to human rights and freedoms. "The legislation also weakens Iraq's ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment. International business coalitions have already indicated that such discrimination in Iraq will harm business and economic growth in the country." This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking manage preferences. UK Secretary of State David Cameron described the amendments as "dangerous and worrying." In his post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: "No one should be targeted for who they are. We encourage the Government of Iraq to uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction." ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-19

The United States has been involved in any offensive activity against Iran and is seeking to de-escalate tensions between the Islamic Republic and Israel, told reporters in Italy at a press conference on the sidelines of a G7 meeting. “The has not been involved in any offensive operations,” he said after he was asked about the Israeli strike against Iranian Air Force assets at Isfahan in central Iran early Friday morning. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani clarified for reporters in a separate press conference that the US was informed at the last moment that the attack would take place. Tajani stressed as Blinken had, that Washington was not involved. Italy, he said, has spoken with Iran about the importance of de-escalation. An Iranian woman walks past an anti-Israel banner with a picture of Iranian missiles on a street in Tehran, Iran April 19, 2024. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS) The strike in Isfahan comes less than one week after the US — along with the armies of Israel, Jordan, France, and Great Britain — successfully defended the Jewish state against an Iranian-launched attack of over 300 drones and missiles. The US and Western powers have since urged Israel to constrain its response, as Israel has insisted that it because such a missile attack can not be normalized. “The United States along with our partners will continue to work for de-escalation,” Blinken said.  British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Israel on Wednesday to personally deliver that message. On Friday said, “We’re committed to Israel's security. We're also committed to de-escalating, to trying to bring this tension to a close.” He also spoke on behalf of the G7, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy Japan, and the United Kingdom. “The G7 condemned the unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel” on April 14, which was “unprecedented in scope and scale,” Blinken said. In response, the G7 countries, including the US, will adopt additional sanctions against Iran, Blinken said. Baerbock said, that “we need to do whatever we can” to make sure that events do not spiral into unforeseen consequences, stressing that no one wants to be “thrown into a catastrophe.” ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-19

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following discussions with , put on hold preapproved plans to immediately launch a retaliatory strike after Iran’s unprecedented assault on Israel on Saturday night. The conversation between the two leaders took place shortly after Iran's extensive drone and missile attack on Israel, Israel’s Kan public broadcaster reported on Wednesday. The initial response plans, which had already received cabinet approval, were intended to be executed swiftly after the Iranian assault. However, a senior source indicated that diplomatic considerations have taken precedence. Kan also reported that while the majority of Israeli leadership and military officials supported a retaliatory strike, there was notable opposition within the government, advocating against escalation. This internal debate comes in the wake of Iran's claim that its attack was in retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of two and several other officers. A separate report by Axios noted that Israel's War Cabinet reconsidered a direct strike on Iran for operational reasons, ultimately deciding against it after consulting with the Biden Administration. This decision aligns with broader international calls for restraint and strategic patience. Following Tehran’s massive air assault over the weekend, the potential for an Israeli retaliation has been under scrutiny. Jerusalem has vowed to respond to the attack, without specifying how or when. While some Israeli lawmakers advocated for a full-scale, immediate attack on Iranian territory, the United States made clear that it was against any attack that would spark a regional war. According to US officials, President Joe Biden conveyed to Israel’s prime minister that the United States would abstain from engaging in any aggressive maneuvers against Iran. The president emphasized to Netanyahu the importance of thoughtful and strategic consideration regarding the potential consequences of an escalation.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden (credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE AND ALEX KOLOMOISKY/POOL) British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Israel on Wednesday to convey the message of de-escalation. Following a meeting they held with Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister relayed to his cabinet that he had informed the diplomats that Israel “will make our own decisions, and the State of Israel will do everything necessary in order to defend herself.” However, Jack Kennedy, associate director and head of Middle East and North Africa Country Risk at S&P Global Market Intelligence, told The Media Line that he believed that it was unlikely the Israeli government would commit to a direct military strike on Iran without open military support from Washington. However, if it happens, he continued, “it would significantly increase the likelihood that Iran would continue to respond to such activity with large, multilayered attacks on Israel launched from states across the region as well as Iran.” Dr. Thomas O’Donnell, a global fellow of the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington who teaches in Berlin, told The Media Line that Israel was very dependent on American decisions. He added that in this case, Israel could carry out some small-scale symbolic response that would not necessarily draw an additional Iranian attack leading to escalation. “Israel has always gotten huge amounts of support from the United States—military and otherwise. It’s quite clear that it [Israel] can’t sustain a protracted war, especially a protracted war of the nature it would be against Iran, without the United States’ support, and there’s no other country that is capable or willing to give that support,” he said. O’Donnell added that very few of the world’s countries can make these kinds of decisions without considering their allies. “A small country can go to war with another small country. But if this is going to bring in larger powers, they have to be very careful,” he continued. Noa Meir, founder of the Gideon Meir Diplomacy Center, strongly believes that Israel’s response should be completely subjected to American approval. However, she acknowledges the possibility that this may not hold true when faced with reality. “I’m not saying that I know what the reaction will be. But, unfortunately, I cannot say wholeheartedly that it will be 100% subject to what the US expects from us, even though I think we absolutely should, seeing the US strategic importance for our national security as we just saw on the night between Saturday and Sunday,” she told The Media Line. To explain her thinking, she quoted Henry Kissinger, who famously said that Israel doesn’t have a foreign policy but only a domestic policy. “So unfortunately,” she said, “I think what is going to play an even bigger part in this is Israeli politics.” She noted that while Israel is a sovereign country and has the right to make decisions on its own, “we don’t live in a vacuum and there is a superpower that is our strategic partner.” She continued: “I think it’s something that we have seen in the past six months and even more so on Saturday night: how much we need the United States by our side.” Kennedy said that an Israeli military engagement was heavily conditioned on the availability of US financial support, which was generally an issue of bipartisan agreement. However, he noted that the ongoing Gaza war had been a clear break with tradition in the extent to which it was dividing support on the provision of military aid. “The response to , however, has probably underlined for a lot of military decision-makers in Israel the extent to which a close and collaborative defense relationship with the US is to guarantee Israeli security,” he continued. O’Donnell explained that ever since President George W. Bush’s administration, which came before Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the United States has been very clear that it made a mistake by putting too many boots on the ground in the Middle East and that it must get out of the region. “It has to focus on great power competition against Russia and China. And this is becoming more urgent by the day,” he continued, explaining part of the rationale behind the US not wanting a major escalation between Israel and Iran. Meir reiterated how important the alliance with the United States was for Israel and how some Israeli cabinet members’ behavior may put that in jeopardy. “I think that the things that we have heard since [the Iranian attack] from [National Security Minister Itamar] Ben-Gvir’s party have been irresponsible and dangerous to our relationship with the United States,” she said. “It used to be obvious and a given that we know we need the United States by us, and we do everything possible to maintain that relationship. What scares me, and what you’re seeing with this current government, is that that is no longer a given,” she continued. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-18

Israel is unlikely to commence its retaliation attack against Iran until after the Passover holiday, a United States official told ABC News. "Although, it could always change," added the report. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are said to remain in the state of high alert. The country's security and political officials are hiding in safe houses and underground facilities, according to the U.S. source cited by ABC News. Passover begins on Monday and will after the nightfall on April 30. Israel is anticipated to respond after Iran on Saturday launched over 300 drones and missiles towards Israeli territory. Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who was among the after Iranian strikes, said Israel has decided to retaliate and expressed hopes it would not lead to further escalation. This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking manage preferences. His German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, stressed that escalation "would serve no one, not Israel's security, not the many dozens of hostages still in the hands of Hamas, not the suffering population of Gaza, not the many people in Iran who are themselves suffering under the regime." ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-17

Israelis were stunned by much that happened around the world immediately following Hamas’s savage October 7 attack. They were stunned by outpourings of support for Hamas in many cities around the world after the terrorist invasion – even before Israel began its ground incursion into the coastal strip. They were surprised at posters of the hostages being ripped off walls in cities and campuses around the world. They were shocked by a sharp spike in antisemitism. But what stunned them the most was the strong push for a that began within weeks of the most brutal attack on Jews since the Holocaust. For many, this seemed completely counterintuitive. The remains of a rocket booster that, according to Israeli authorities critically injured a 7-year-old girl, after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, near Arad, Israel, April 14, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/CHRISTOPHE VAN DER PERRE ) As Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer said in an ABC interview in early December: “I know that everybody is racing forward right now to try to establish a The people of Israel don’t even understand that because we just suffered the equivalent of 20 9/11s. And I think the last thing you want to do is send a message to any terror group that the way you’re going to achieve some sort of aim is to perpetrate a massive terror attack.” In other words, forget that Gaza has for all intents and purposes been an independent Palestinian entity since Israel withdrew in 2005 and removed every army installation, soldier, and settler. Never mind that Hamas, which took control of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority in a 2007 coup, used the territory not to build a Palestinian Singapore on the Mediterranean, but rather an Iranian-backed launching pad for attacks on Israel with billions of dollars invested in sophisticated weaponry and a mind-boggling maze of underground tunnels from which to attack. Forget all that. The world, within weeks of Hamas’s barbarism, once again became intoxicated with the idea of a Palestinian state, thinking that this will be the magic potion, the panacea, the answer to all the Middle East’s problems. It began with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez saying in November that if the EU does not recognize a Palestinian state, Spain might do so unilaterally. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron then followed suit not long after, saying that the UK should consider recognizing an independent Palestinian state, including in the United Nations, after a Gaza ceasefire and long before – and here’s the rub – the outcome of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. “It could be something that we consider,” Cameron said. “What we need to do is give the Palestinian people a horizon toward a better future, the future of having a state of their own.” The PA, sensing the international mood, decided as a result to try something they tried and failed to do in 2011: gain acceptance as a Unless the Palestinians back down at the last minute, a Palestinian bid for full membership is expected to be voted on Thursday in the UN Security Council. The US, however, is expected to cast its veto. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield hinted as much on Wednesday, saying she did not see a UN resolution recommending the PA become a full UN member as helping to lead to a two-state solution. “We do not see that doing a resolution in the Security Council will necessarily get us to a place where we can find... a two-state solution moving forward,” she said. Thomas-Greenfield, however, added that US President Joe Biden had said categorically that Washington supports a two-state solution and was working on the ground to get there as soon as possible. But that the US will not allow this measure to pass shows that despite tensions and disagreements with Israel over the war in Gaza and the settlements, the US has not abandoned its long-held position that the only way to get to a Palestinian state is through negotiations. The US remains committed to the idea that a workable solution cannot be imposed from the outside – something the Palestinians have been trying to do unsuccessfully for decades. Had Israel not come under attack from Iran on Saturday night, and had the world not been on edge since then, anxiously waiting – and debating – if and how Israel should respond, then this bid at the UN would have garnered much more attention than it has, both in Israel and abroad. But the Iranian attack has bumped the Palestinian UN bid down toward the bottom of the news cycle. Countries seeking admission to the UN need a recommendation by the Security Council and then a vote of approval from two-thirds of the members in the 193-seat General Assembly. When it became clear to the Palestinians in 2011 that they would not get the nine votes they needed in the Security Council to recommend full membership, they did not force a vote, although their application to the Security Council remained pending. Instead, they went to the General Assembly and won nonmember “observer state” status, similar to that of the Vatican. Earlier this month, the Palestinians renewed their pending application to the Security Council, and the Security Council committee on the admission of new members met twice last week on the issue. The committee, according to Reuters, issued a report on Tuesday, saying it was unable to make a “unanimous recommendation” on the application – something that happened in 2011 as well – all but dooming the bid. Nevertheless, this time – unlike in 2011– the Palestinians are likely to push for a vote to isolate the US on this issue and argue that the whole world wants to see a Palestinian state recognized by the UN, and only the US stands in its way. The PA blasted the US for its position on the matter, with spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh saying no less than regional and world peace and stability depends on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Iran’s drone and missile attack on Israel Saturday night, however, showed just how vacuous Abu Rudeineh’s statement is – as if the Iranian desire to destroy Israel, or its hegemonic designs in the region, would disappear if only the PA received a state. On the contrary, one could argue that Iran would then try to control that state and turn it into a springboard for attacks by Islamic extremists against the Jewish state. Anyone doubting that need look only at Hamas and the Gaza experience. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-17

In the wake of recent tensions sparked by an Iranian attack, Israel appears poised to respond with measured action, focusing on Iranian installations in Syria.  According to sources cited in the Wall Street Journal, Israel has communicated to its regional allies that its response will be tailored to target Iranian facilities in Syria, while assuring their security and stability. The Wall Street Journal's report suggests that Israel is coordinating its response with Arab nations in the region. This coordination is aimed at ensuring that the retaliation does not escalate tensions further and remains focused on specific Iranian targets. The Israeli approach is said to have garnered validation from Arab officials, who emphasized that Israel has pledged not to jeopardize their security or regimes in the process. Reports indicate that the Revolutionary Guards, anticipating potential strikes, have initiated emergency measures at their installations across Syria. This precautionary action underscores the seriousness of the situation and the readiness of all parties involved. The Israeli Foreign Minister welcomed British and German counterparts, who expressed their desire to avoid further escalation. While acknowledging Israel's right to respond, they urged restraint to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. British Foreign Minister David Cameron emphasized the importance of minimizing escalation and urged Israel to act accordingly. In response, Iranian President Ebrahim Raïssi issued a stern warning against any Israeli action, vowing a robust retaliation. Despite Raïssi's rhetoric, there are indications that Israel is proceeding cautiously, mindful of the potential consequences of a broader conflict. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-17

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, thanking them for countries' unequivocal support in standing against an unprecedented attack from Iran. Later in the day, Netanyahu held a State Security Cabinet meeting and referred to the meeting when reiterating "we will make our own decisions, and the State of Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself."  "I am now coming from meetings with the foreign ministers of . Last night I spoke to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and soon I will also speak to other leaders," Netanyahu said at the beginning of the cabinet meeting. "I thank our friends for their support for the and I say this, both support in words and support in actions. They also have all kinds of suggestions and advice, I appreciate it, but I want to make it clear - we will make our own decisions, and the State of Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself," he reiterated. According to a press statement, following the meeting with the British and German foreign ministers, Netanyahu also presented them with the scope of humanitarian aid and the continuation of fighting in Gaza. In addition, the Israeli prime minister rejected "claims of international organizations of starvation in Gaza," saying that "Israel goes above and beyond on the humanitarian issue." ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-17

German and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron arrived in Israel on Wednesday morning. Following a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and President Isaac Herzog, Cameron told reporters, "It's clear the Israelis are making a decision to act," regarding a response to Iran's on Saturday. "We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible," Cameron expressed. He added that Britain wants to see coordinated sanctions against Iran. "They need to be given a clear unequivocal message by the G7," he stated.  FM Katz said to the British and German officials, "Now is our opportunity to change the region, call the Revolutionary Guards by their real name, a terrorist organization, and impose sanctions on Iran's missile project." Baerbock is scheduled to meet with war cabinet minister and in the early afternoon Wednesday, Gantz's office reported. UK Foreign Minister David Cameron and German Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock meet in Israel, April 17, 2024. (credit: MAARIV) In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Baerbock stated on Tuesday, "Iran is playing with the fate of all people in the Middle East and has led an entire region to the brink of the abyss. The aim now is to stop Iran without further escalation. Iran's plan to create further violence must not work." Iran spielt mit dem Schicksal aller Menschen im Nahen & Mittleren Osten und hat eine ganze Region an den Abgrund geführt. Es geht jetzt darum, Iran Einhalt zu gebieten, ohne dass es zu einer weiteren Eskalation kommt. Irans Kalkül, weitere Gewalt zu säen, darf nicht aufgehen. 1/3 She also assured that Israel has Germany's full support and highlighted "many dozens of Israeli hostages who are still being held captive in Hamas tunnels." She called for their release.  Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked the two officials for their support in a post on X. Thank you UK Foreign Secretary and German Foreign Minister . I appreciate our warm discussion together this morning in Jerusalem. Thank you for both the UK and Germany’s strong stand alongside Israel in the face of the reprehensible attack by Iran. The… "Thank you, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock; I appreciate our warm discussion together this morning in Jerusalem. Thank you for both the UK and Germany’s strong stand alongside Israel in the face of the reprehensible attack by Iran. The whole world must work decisively and defiantly against the threat posed by the Iranian regime, which is seeking to undermine the stability of the whole region," Herzog said in his post. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-16

The United States and the European Union urged Israel to spark a regional war when it responded to Iran’s missile and drone attack against the Jewish state over the weekend.  US President Joe Biden “doesn’t want to see a war with Iran. He doesn't want to see the conflict widen or deepen, National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby told reporters in a gaggle aboard Air Force One on Tuesday. European Union foreign policy chief called on Israel to constrain its response and refrain from taking escalatory steps. “We are standing by Israel and supporting Israel against the Iranian attacks,” Borrell said on Tuesday. He cautioned, however, that “every time another step is taken on that ladder, the intensity of the military response increases, and we will end up with a fully blown war which nobody wants.” Borrell spoke with reporters in Brussels as he reported on the results of an informal virtual meeting he held with the bloc’s 27 foreign ministers on Tuesday. European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell speaks on the tensions between the neighbouring Western Balkan nations in Brussels, Belgium, August 18, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/Johanna Geron) “We have to mobilize all of our diplomatic means to avoid any move”  that would lead “us into a regional war. That is what we're trying to avoid,” he stated.  The US and the EU spoke out as the IDF has made a decision on how to respond but has not yet set the timing for when to take action. A war cabinet meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, was delayed until Wednesday. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock flew to Israel on Tuesday. British Foreign Minister David Cameron was expected to arrive on Wednesday to discuss the need for a moderate Iranian response with Israeli officials. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a similar message when he spoke by phone Tuesday with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu "(Sunak) stressed that significant escalation was in no one's interest and would only deepen insecurity in the Middle East. This was a moment for calm heads to prevail," Sunak's office said in a readout of the call. Israel weathered the attack due to the combined efforts of a newly forged regional military coalition that involved the IDF as well as the British, French, Jordanian, and American armies. The leaders of those countries feel that they have a particular stake in a decision that Israel takes. US Secretary of State held an intense series of diplomatic conversations to avoid escalation, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in Washington. Blinken spoke with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar on Tuesday and continued talks with members of the war cabinet, Miller said. Blinken is delivering the same message in every conversation that the US does not want to see further escalation of the conflict.  Israel has not informed the State Department of any plans to respond to Iran, Miller said.  "We have been clear that we are committed to Israel's defense, but we do want to see - as you've heard multiple members of the administration say - an escalation of this conflict," Miller stressed The State Department is working to ensure a "coordinated diplomatic response" to the escalatory actions taken by Iran, Miller said, as evidenced by Blinken and Biden's conversations with G7 counterparts.  The G7 is expected to meet on Wednesday with US President Joe Biden participating. In Brussels Borrel said, the EU’s foreign ministers and defense ministers will convene this coming Monday and will also meet with the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The EU is looking to expand its restrictive measures against Iran as it relates to drones and missiles. It also plans to issue sanctions against those who help supply Iranian arms to proxy groups in the Middle East. Borrell stressed the danger facing the region, as he explains that the weekend attack “represents a major escalation of an already very tense situation in the region.”  He echoed the words of UN Secretary-General when he stated that the region “was on the edge of an abyss.” It was as if the region was engaged in a chess game that would end in a “full war.” “If there is a regional escalation and the whole region is in war, then the war in Gaza will not stop, and the sufferings of the people in Gaza will increase,” he stated.  EU foreign ministers took a strong stand, asking “all actors in the region to move away from the abyss in order not to fall into it,” Borrell stated, as he stressed that the 27-member bloc supported Israel in its battle against Iran. Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan, however, blamed Netanyahu for the escalation with Iran, as he referred to the IDF strike on a building in the Iranian embassy compound that killed seven officers. "Israel is trying to provoke a regional conflict, and its attack on Iran's embassy in Damascus was the last drop," he told a press conference in Ankara after a cabinet meeting. He added that new regional conflicts were possible as long as the "cruelty and genocide" in Gaza continued and called on all parties to act with common sense. He also slammed the West for condemning Iran's attack but not Israel's strike on Iran's embassy. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday urged all sides in the Middle East to refrain from action that would trigger a new confrontation which he warned would be fraught with catastrophic consequences for the region, the Kremlin said. Putin, who has forged much closer ties with the Islamic Republic since sending troops into Ukraine in 2022, spoke to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi by phone about what the Kremlin called "retaliatory measures taken by Iran." Putin, in his first publicly aired comments on Iran's attack, said the root cause of the current instability in the Middle East was the unresolved conflict between Palestinians and Israel. "Vladimir Putin expressed hope that all sides would show reasonable restraint and prevent a new round of confrontation fraught with catastrophic consequences for the entire region," the Kremlin said. "Ebrahim Raisi noted that Iran's actions were forced and limited in nature," the Kremlin said. "At the same time, he stressed Tehran's disinterest in further escalation of tensions." Tehran gave a slightly different readout of the call, with state media quoting Raisi as declaring that Iran would respond more severely, extensively, and painfully than ever to any action against Iran's interests. Iranian state media quoted Putin as characterizing Tehran's response to Israel as the best way to punish the aggressor and a manifestation of the wisdom of Iran's leaders. "Both sides stated that the root cause of the current events in the Middle East is the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict," the Kremlin said of the call with Raisi. Reuters contributed to this report. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-16

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron is scheduled to arrive in Israel overnight for a one-day visit. During his visit, Cameron is slated to hold meetings with key Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and potentially war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, though the latter engagement is yet to be confirmed. A British official, speaking to The Times of Israel, revealed that one of Cameron's primary objectives will be to emphasize the importance of implementing Israeli commitments regarding expanded humanitarian aid routes to Gaza.  Specifically, he will advocate for the opening of the Ashdod Port and a new crossing from northern Gaza, while also stressing the need to enhance coordination with humanitarian groups operating in the region. In addition to addressing humanitarian concerns, Cameron is expected to discuss the recent Iranian missile and drone attack, tensions in Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. Following his meetings in Israel, Cameron will proceed to Ramallah to meet with senior Palestinian Authority officials. The British Foreign Secretary's visit comes amid heightened international concern over the situation in Gaza, with a particular focus on de-escalating tensions and advancing efforts towards a peaceful resolution. After concluding his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Cameron will travel to Capri, Italy, to attend the G7 foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting is expected to center on the conflict in Gaza and the pursuit of a meaningful and effective political approach towards achieving a "two peoples, two States" solution. Cameron's visit to Israel coincides with similar diplomatic efforts, such as the upcoming trip of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who aims to express Germany's solidarity with Israel while urging all parties to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the region. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-15

As Israel weighs its response to Iran's unprecedented direct attack on Saturday night, the international community is calling on Jerusalem to resist military action in order to defuse the situation in the Middle East. Jerusalem's allies have urged it to take the decisive thwarting of the aerial assault as a "defensive victory," while Russia and Iran say it's on Israel to de-escalate. At an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council called by Israel, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a rare address to the member states. "The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are facing a real danger of a devastating, full-scale conflict. Now is the time for maximum restraint," said Guterres at the start of the meeting.  Meanwhile, Iran's ambassador to the UN Saeid Iravani told the Security Council that Israel has been shielded for too long from taking responsibility for the war in Gaza, blaming the United States. "Why have they denied Iran the inherent right to self-defense against the Israeli armed attack on our diplomatic premises, at the same time they shamefully justify the Israeli massacre and genocide against the defenseless Palestinian people under the pretext of self-defense." In an interview with Sky News, Iravani said that Israel knows what a would look like, calling it the "most decisive." "The mask is off," said Israel's ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, saying that Iran is no longer hiding behind "deniability" while funding and arming its terror proxies. Erdan went on to criticize the world body for assuming that Iran is interested in de-escalation.  Russia, which had condemned the alleged Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic office in Damascus on April 1, defended Tehran's claims that their response Saturday was in self-defense. On Monday, the Kremlin said that it was "extremely concerned about the escalation of tensions in the region," and called on "all countries in the Middle East to show restraint."  Israel's allies, including those that took part in thwarting the attack on Saturday, have communicated to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he should resist a counter-attack. While calling the attack "massive," British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Sky News, "If you're sitting in Israel this morning you're thinking, quite rightly, 'We have every right to respond to this.' And they do. But we are urging that they shouldn't escalate."  He went on to characterize the attack as a "double failure," as the hundreds of uncrewed aerial vehicles and missiles failed to reach their targets, and in carrying it out Iran had "revealed to the world that they are the malign influence in the region."  Cameron mentioned that the focus should be turned back to Hamas, which refused the latest ceasefire proposal, and said that Israel should think with its "head as well as heart." British Royal Armed Forces helped intercept a number of UAVs launched from Iran before they reached Israeli territory on Saturday. Meanwhile, Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the Iranian regime had brought the region to the "brink of the abyss." On Israel's likely response, Baerbock said, "The right to self-defense means defense against an attack. Retaliation is not a category in international law." She went on to say that Israel should secure the "defensive victory" it scored against Iran with diplomatic means. The German Foreign Minister said she had spoken to her Iranian counterpart to warn Tehran not to further escalate. The EU's foreign policy chief also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian late Sunday, and on Monday Borrell told Spanish radio that "We're on the edge of the cliff and we have to move away from it."  The EU, which had issued a statement condemning Iran for the attack, was said to be considering additional sanctions. However, Borrell said despite the sanctions, the EU should have the best possible relations with Iran.  "It's in everyone's interest that Iran does not become a nuclear power and that the Middle East is pacified," he said.  For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would be speaking to Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday, saying Israel should aim to isolate Iran rather than further escalate. “We are all worried about a possible escalation,” Macron told BFM TV.  ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-15

British Foreign Secretary urged Israel not to retaliate after Iran's drone and missile attack, saying Tehran's move had been a near-total failure and the focus should remain on agreeing a . The strike by more than 300 missiles and drones from Iran caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down by its Iron Dome defence system and with help from the US, Britain, France and Jordan. It followed a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy compound in Syria on April 1. "If you're sitting in Israel this morning, you're thinking quite rightly, we have every right to respond to this and they do. But we are urging that they shouldn't escalate," Cameron told Sky News on Monday. "In many ways this has been a double defeat for Iran. The attack was an almost total failure, and they revealed to the world that they are the malign influence in the region prepared to do this. So our hope is that there won't be a retaliatory response." Britain said it would consider more , foreign minister David Cameron announced on Monday, following its drone and missile attack on Israel. An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/AMIR COHEN) Asked whether the government would consider more sanctions on Iran, Cameron told the BBC: "Yes, absolutely. We already have 400 sanctions on Iran. We put in place a whole new sanctions regime at the end of last year, which is proving very effective. "We've sanctioned the IRGC, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, in its entirety, and we'll continue to look at what further steps we can do," he added. He also said Britain would keep under review whether it should proscribe the IRGC. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-11

The UK and Jordan have formed a close partnership in response to the war in Gaza due to fears that the conflict could destabilize Amman, analysts told The Media Line.  led the mission that involved nine nations to send the shipment of more than 10 tonnes of supplies, according to the UK government, which stated it was the largest amount of aid airdropped into Gaza in one day. The with the help of Jordan’s Air Forces and airfields, and additional shipments could be on the way after Israel said more aid would be allowed to pass through a Jordanian land crossing.  The British government said it has worked closely with Jordanian partners to send aid and called the help “instrumental.” In February, The UK signed an agreement with a Jordanian charity, Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, to deliver $1.26 million of British aid to Gaza. Clive Jones, a professor of regional security focused on the Middle East at Durham University in the UK, told The Media Line that the cooperation is partly a signal to Israel that it should avoid actions that could contribute to destabilizing Jordan. BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY David Cameron takes part in a NATO meeting in Brussels, last week. ‘The Iranian regime and the criminal gangs who operate on its behalf pose an unacceptable threat to the UK’s security,’ he says. (credit: JOHANNA GERON/REUTERS) “For many Jordanians, any kind of support, help, and then demonstrations of support that they can get from the outside world, both to signal to the Israelis, but also to signal to their people that Jordan is strong, and it will cope is important,” Jones said. He added that many in Israel are also afraid of their countries’ actions negatively impacting relations with Jordan. According to a press release by the British government, in February, the two countries , including medicine, fuel, and food, to Tal Al-Hawa Hospital in northern Gaza. The supplies were bought by the UK and delivered by the Jordanian Air Force. In March, Jordan helped with another airdrop and delivery on land.  Jones said one of the top concerns for Jordan would be the war expanding, leading to more Palestinians in the West Bank fleeing to the country. Jordan has said that any effort from Israel to move Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank would be a “declaration of war.” Thousands in the country have taken to the streets to protest against Israel, with some arguing that Jordan should take a tougher stance with Israel, which Amman has a peace treaty with. The partnership between the UK and Jordan is “a signal that whatever Israel decides to do in the West Bank, that it should not be done at the expense of either the Palestinians in the West Bank or Palestinians in Jordan and creating the political conditions which may lead to destabilizing the kingdom itself,” Jones said. Jones said that more Palestinians in Jordan could impact the delicate balance between the country’s monarchy, which relies on tribes to support the king’s role, and the Palestinians already in Jordan. “The last thing that you need in the region right now is to destabilize Jordan, which could lead to wider regional instability,” he said. Jones said the aid shipments allow Jordan, along with the UK, to show its Palestinian population that it is helping fellow Palestinians in need. Part of the alliance's importance for the British government is its long-term historical connections to Jordan, whose Hashemite dynasty came to rule the country with the help of the UK. Peter Millet, the former British ambassador to Jordan from 2011 to 2015, told The Media Line that the two countries’ historical and military ties would make them trusted allies for each other.  Among senior Jordanian officials, King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah attended the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, a prestigious training academy that Prince William and Prince Harry also attended. “They know us, and we know them, and we trust them,” Millet said, adding that upholding stability in Jordan had been a priority for British governments before the war in Gaza. He believed that Jordan’s fear of more Palestinians entering the country and changing its demographics would mean that Amman was interested in getting support from other countries.  Millet stated that Jordan also hoped to influence the British government's opinion to be more critical of Israel’s actions. However, he added that the aid shipments must have been made with Israel's tacit acceptance. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-09

The United States urged Hamas to accept the “serious” offer on the table for a hostage deal, as Israel’s security cabinet met and the terror group doused optimized that a deal was imminent. “We have an offer that's on the table now Hamas that is very serious and should be accepted,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State David Cameron. “Hamas could move forward with this immediately and get a ceasefire that would benefit people throughout Gaza as well as of course get the hostages home,” Blinken said. Failure to accept the deal would show its continued disregard for the people of Gaza, he said. “The ball is in Hamas’s court,” he stated, adding that “the world is watching to see what it does.”  He spoke after Cairo hosted indirect talks earlier this week, that included CIA Director William Burns as well as officials from Hamas, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron hold a joint press conference at the State Department in Washington, US, April 9, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Michael A. McCoy) US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that the talks were a “marathon session that went late into the night” on Sunday. Israel has shown flexibility in terms of what has been put on the table, Sullivan explained, but he noted, that Hamas's public statements have been “less than encouraging.” Sullivan said he had personally spoken with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed al-Thani on Tuesday, who had explained that Hamas had not yet responded. “I pressed him to try to secure an answer from them as soon as possible,” Sullivan stated. What the world should say at this moment to Hamas is, it’s time. Let's go. Let's get that ceasefire. We're ready. I believe Israel is ready. And I think Hamas should step up to the table and be prepared to do so as well.” At issue has been a six-week pause to the war in exchange for 40 out of the remaining 133 hostages, which the US hopes could be transformed into a permanent ceasefire that would see the return of all the hostages. According to The Wall Street Journal, Israel would have to release 900 Palestinian security prisoners and terrorists from its jails, including 100 serving long-term sentences. The WSJ said that the proposal would also allow Palestinians to return to their homes in the northern part of the enclave, which was heavily destroyed during the fighting between Hamas and the IDF. Hamas said on Tuesday the proposal put on the table in Cairo this week did not meet its demands, but added that it would study the offer further and deliver its response to mediators. "The movement (Hamas) is interested in reaching an agreement that puts an end to the aggression on our people. Despite that, the Israeli position remains intransigent and it didn't meet any of the demands of our people and our resistance," Hamas said in a statement following the latest ceasefire proposal. Hamas wants any agreement to secure a permanent ceasefire, an IDF withdrawal from Gaza, and to allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes across the small, densely populated enclave. Israel won’t agree to a permanent ceasefire until it ousted Hamas from the enclave, a move which it said can only happen once it has conducted a major military operation in Rafah, in the southern part of Gaza. In a confession he held with inductees into the Israeli army on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “We have three objectives: One – to return our hostages, all of the field observers, and not just them, but everyone together. We will return them all. “ “The second objective: Eliminating Hamas. The third objective: To ensure that Gaza will never again constitute a threat to Israel,” he said. Reuters contributed to this report. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-09

Spain intends to sway the to support unilateral Palestinian statehood, Australia gave a nod in that direction, and the United Nations Security Council is considering whether to recognize Palestine as its 194th member.Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is expected to meet with his counterparts from Norway, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Belgium later this week to focus on the EU’s position regarding the in the Gaza Strip, government spokesperson Pilar Alegria said Tuesday.“We want to stop the in Gaza and help kick-start a political peace process leading to the realization of the two-state solution as early as possible,” she told reporters. Israel told the four EU countries their initiative would amount to a “prize for terrorism” that would reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the generations-old conflict.Since 1988, 139 out of 193 UN member states have recognized Palestinian statehood. Most Western countries, however, have maintained that such recognition should only come once a final-status agreement for two states is in place. The 10-year absence of a peace process, the Gaza war, and statements by Israeli government officials against Palestinian statehood have swayed some Western countries that unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood might be the best next step.Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra would consider unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which represents a shift in policy for her country.In a speech Tuesday evening at the Australian National University, Wong said she backed comments by British Foreign Minister David Cameron, who has said recognizing a Palestinian state, including at the UN, would make a two-state solution irreversible.Wong said the international community was discussing Palestinian statehood “as a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution.”“A two-state solution is the only hope to break the endless cycle of violence,” she said.Wong, however, ruled out a role for Hamas.“There is no role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state,” she said.“Those who claim recognition is rewarding an enemy” were wrong, because Israel’s security depends on a two-state solution, Wong said.“There is no long-term security for Israel unless it is recognized by the countries of its region,” she said. On Monday, the president of the UN Security Council referred the Palestinian Authority’s application to become a full member of the world body to the committee on the admission of new members. Malta’s UN Ambassador Vanessa Frazier is president of the Security Council for April.She proposed that the committee meet on Monday afternoon to consider the application, adding that the deliberation has to take place this month.After the meeting, Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told reporters: “We sincerely hope, after 12 years since we changed our status to an observer state, that the Security Council will elevate itself to implementing the global consensus on the two-state solution by admitting the state of Palestine for full membership.”The PA last week formally asked for renewed consideration by the UN Security Council of its 2011 application to become a full member of the world body. The Palestinians are a nonmember observer state at the UN, the same status as the Catholic Church’s Holy See.The committee of 15 members first assesses an application to see if it satisfies the requirements for UN membership. The application can then either be shelved or put forward for a formal vote in the Security Council.Approval requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the US, Russia, China, France, or Britain.“The committee has to deliberate within April,” Frazier told reporters ahead of the meeting. The Security Council earlier on Monday met behind closed doors to discuss the letter from the PA requesting renewed consideration of its application.Last week, Mansour told Reuters the aim was for the council to decide at an April 18 ministerial meeting on the Middle East.Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan earlier on Monday said a Palestinian state would be a threat to Israel’s national security.“Granting the Palestinian statehood is not only a blatant violation of the UN Charter, it also violates the fundamental principle that everyone can understand of reaching a solution, a lasting solution, at the negotiating table,” he told reporters. “The UN has been sabotaging peace in the Middle East for years. But today marks the beginning of the point of no return.”  ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-06

More than half (58%) of British adults would support the UK ending arms sales to Israel, a Friday YouGov poll of 3616 adults found. Business Minister Greg Hands claimed that UK arms exports to Israel were worth £42 million (Approximately NIS 197 million) last year, which he estimated represented 0.02% of Israel's military imports, BBC News reported. Only 10% of Brits said they strongly opposed ending the sale of arms, and 8% answered that they somewhat opposed it. Overrepresented among those supporting the end of arms sales, 58% of people voting for labour said they “strongly support” the motion and a further 15% said they “somewhat support” it. Liberal Democrat voters were also highly in favor of ending arms sales, with a total of 66% saying they supported the motion to any degree. UNHRC vote on arms embargo against Israel, April 5 2024. (credit: UN) In contrast with other polls finding that younger generations were more critical of Israel, the poll found that only 37% of 18-24 year olds supported the end of sales compared to 41% in the next two ascending age groups. Politicians from the Liberal Democrats Party and the Scottish National Party as well as a former UK national security adviser are to suspend arms sales to Israel, British media reported on Wednesday.  The pressure came after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, including some British nationals. Last week, before the strike, a group of more than 130 Members of Parliament from multiple parties, and peers, reportedly wrote to Foreign Secretary David Cameron calling for an immediate suspension of export licenses for arms sales to Israel. voted 28-5 for an arms embargo against Israel as it called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and demanded that the Jewish state uphold its responsibility to prevent genocide, when it met Friday in Geneva. Thirteen of the 47 UNHRC member states abstained from the text, which did not mention Hamas or condemn it for the invasion of Israel on October 7, in which 1,200 people were killed and 253 seized as hostages. Argentina, Bulgaria, Germany, Malawi, and the United States all opposed the resolution. TOVAH LAZAROFF contributed to this report ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-04-04

Politicians from the Liberal Democrats Party and the Scottish National Party as well as a former UK national security adviser are pressuring United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to suspend arms sales to Israel, British media reported on Wednesday.  The pressure came after an Israeli airstrike mistakenly , including some British nationals. Last week, before the strike, a group of more than 130 Members of Parliament from multiple parties, and peers, reportedly wrote to Foreign Secretary David Cameron calling for an immediate suspension of export licenses for arms sales to Israel. Speaking about the incident to The Sun, Sunak said that the UK was “very careful” when it came to licensing weapons and he called for an independent investigation into the strike. Describing the deaths as "an awful tragedy," Sunak said the UK wanted to see "a dramatic increase in the amount of aid getting into Gaza."A Palestinian inspects near a vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including foreigners, were killed in an Israeli airstrike (credit: Ahmed Zakot/Reuters) Sunak insisted that the UK government had been “consistently clear” that Israel must follow international humanitarian law. "We've always had a very careful export licensing regime that we adhere to. There are a set of rules, regulations, and procedures that we'll always follow,” Sunak said. "And I've been consistently clear with Prime Minister Netanyahu since the start of this conflict that whilst of course we defend Israel's right to defend itself and its people against attacks from Hamas, they have to do that in accordance with humanitarian law, protect civilian lives, get more aid into Gaza." Business Minister Greg Hands claimed that UK arms exports to Israel were worth £42 million (Approximately NIS 197 million) last year, which he estimated represented 0.02% of Israel's military imports, BBC News reported. Sir Alan Duncan, an ex-Conservative Member of Parliament and former Foreign Office minister, wrote in The Independent that further arms sales to Israel "cannot be justified." Taking the same stance, Conservative MP Paul Bristow said that British-made weapons being used in Gaza "turns the stomach," and the deaths of British aid workers "must be a line in the sand." "If it says there is a clear risk that UK arms might be used in a serious breach of international humanitarian law, it's time to suspend the sale of those arms," affirmed shadow foreign secretary David Lammy. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey told UK Channel 4 News that he thought “now was the time to end [the] British export of arms to Israel. “It does look like Israel has broken humanitarian law.” Davey also accused Israel of failing to listen to international pressure when it came to employing a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, despite proposed by multiple countries. Israeli officials have also repeatedly assured that , however Hamas were preventing it from reaching civilians; manufacturing a humanitarian crisis. ...قراءة المزيد

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