UK Slams “Grotesque” Gaza Attack, Threatens More Sanctions

Starving Palestinians Targeted as Foreign Secretary Vows Action

The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary has voiced outrage over what he described as the “grotesque” targeting of starving Palestinians by Israeli forces. He warned of further sanctions if the conflict does not conclude soon.

Intensified Military Operations in Gaza

Israel launched air and ground offensives in Deir al-Balah, a crucial hub for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Weekend military actions reportedly resulted in the highest Palestinian death toll in nearly two years, with Gaza’s civil defence agency stating at least 93 people were killed by Israeli fire while queuing for food.

David Lammy, speaking on BBC Radio 4, expressed deep regret that the UK cannot unilaterally end the war. He reiterated that no UK arms licenses are currently active for use in Gaza, and RAF surveillance flights do not share intelligence with the Israeli military, despite criticism from rights organizations.

International Condemnation and Arms Sales Scrutiny

The UK joined 27 other nations, including Australia, Canada, and France, in condemning Israel for denying Palestinians “human dignity.” These countries are urging Israel to ease restrictions on aid, highlighting that civilian suffering has “reached new depths.”

However, rights groups like Amnesty International have dismissed the statement as “empty words,” demanding an immediate halt to all arms exports, including components for F-35 fighter jets, whether direct or indirect.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemns the targeting of starving Palestinians seeking food. He states, “We have suspended arms sales that can be used in Gaza. I’m satisfied that we are not in any way complicit in a breach of international humanitarian law.” pic.twitter.com/someurl

— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) August 1, 2024

Addressing the status of over 300 existing arms licenses, Lammy affirmed, “We have suspended arms sales that can be used in Gaza.” He added, “I’m satisfied that we are not in any way complicit in a breach of international humanitarian law.”

Calls for Ceasefire and Future Action

Lammy acknowledged the UK’s inability to force an end to the conflict alone, emphasizing the need for coordinated action with allies. He stated, “I’m afraid if we do not see this war come to an end, there will be more action.”

“These are not words that are usually used by a foreign secretary who is attempting to be diplomatic, but when you see innocent children holding out their hand for food, and you see them shot and killed in the way that we have seen in the last few days, of course Britain must call it out.”

—David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary

He also noted that 83% of the Israeli public are urging their government to move towards a ceasefire for the release of hostages.

The UK government’s position is that it does not assist Israel’s prosecution of the war in Gaza, with RAF flights over the region not sharing intelligence to aid military operations. According to UN data, as of late 2023, over 1.7 million Palestinians in Gaza had been displaced internally due to the conflict (UN OCHA, 2023).

Further Sanctions on the Horizon

When questioned about further measures if Israel does not agree to end the conflict, Lammy indicated that additional sanctions are likely. He stated, “There will be more, clearly, and we keep all of those options under consideration if we do not see a change in behaviour and the suffering that we are seeing come to an end.”