This week, an international inquiry found that the Israeli military is committing genocide in Gaza. This verdict comes as no shock, given that seldom do countries in history have been so explicit about their intentions.
For instance: Months ago, a top Israeli official announced that “the strip must be entirely destroyed”; a week later, Israel’s leader asserted that the state is “destroying more and more houses across Gaza,” leaving civilians with nowhere to return.
UK Response
At the beginning of this month, David Lammy sent a letter to the chair of a government committee, asserting that “the government has thoroughly reviewed the potential of genocide” and has not concluded that Israeli authorities is acting with genocidal intent. How can two bodies reach contrasting findings?
UK authorities avoids making a verdict on genocide since were it to, it would have to face up to its role.
Alignment with Allies
In terms of international relations, ministers supports the US, Israel’s strongest ally. Officials persist in furnish Israel with crucial components for F-35 jets bombing the strip and its residents.
Military jets involved in these strikes have been permitted to touch down in the UK. The UK government continues to provide information with Israeli officials. Britain operates ongoing reconnaissance missions over Gaza.
And rather than impose sweeping sanctions, UK officials promote commerce with Israeli entities worth £6bn a year.
Hypocrisy
Whereas the nation’s leader – noted for genocidal utterances about collective Palestinian guilt – is given the honour of an official visit, hundreds of activists holding placards opposing genocide are detained as though they are security threats.
Every action directed at Israel has been superficial, aimed to quiet appeals for action from the citizens. Ultimately, seven in 10 UK residents feel it’s probable Israel has breached humanitarian standards, a majority backs an weapons ban, only a fifth consider Israel’s operations in Gaza is reasonable, and a majority support legal action against the leader for suspected war crimes.
Human Cost
Safety of those residing in Gaza are seen as less important than upholding partnerships with Israel and, by proxy, the US. On an individual basis, this approach unfolds in the cruelest of ways.
One individual, a voter of former deputy prime minister, interacted with her on a few instances. She visited his takeaway shop in 2019 and took photos, declaring “Palestine must be free”. He joined her on a visit to government buildings.
Within weeks the conflict starting in last year, his parent, sibling, sister-in-law and two children were died due to an Israeli airstrike. Seeking to save his family – who had been trapped in debris three times – he contacted Rayner on two occasions to seek help.
He claims he received no response. In January 2024, he went to a political event where he got to his feet, holding photos of his dead mother, begging for a ce ceasefire and saying passionately, “My relatives were killed in Gaza”.
This entire tawdry episode was filmed: he was escorted out from the gathering and into public view. She remained passive, except to say “acknowledgement, you’ve made your point”. Subsequently distanced herself on digital channels.
Shortly after, she was questioned by media, where the confrontation was described as an example of security concerns for leaders, linking it to the killings of MPs. From that point, so many of Neder’s relatives have been killed that the list fill extensive notes of a notebook.
Imagined Scenarios
Consider an Jewish resident had been aggressively ejected from the event of a politician they knew well, after clutching pictures of their lost loved ones and appealing for the violence to end. Instead of being labeled an example of dangerous abuse experienced by politicians, the outcry would be featured in newspapers and lead news bulletins.
Final Thoughts
Ministers is evading hard facts. It denies genocide, as acknowledging it would mean admitting their involvement. The truth, ultimately, will emerge.
