UK support for Israel depended on its compliance with international humanitarian law, Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated in The Sunday Times.
“Of course our backing is not unconditional: we expect such a proud and successful democracy to abide by international humanitarian law, even when challenged.”
Cameron’s statements come amid six months since the Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October and almost a week after an Israeli airstrike killed seven food aid workers in the Gaza Strip.
US-based food charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) confirmed last Tuesday that seven of its humanitarian aid workers had been killed in an Israeli strike the previous day. The workers were citizens of Australia, Poland, Britain and Palestine, with some holding dual US and Canadian citizenship.
Cameron pointed out that the “tragic and avoidable killing” of the WCK aid workers was a “terrible reminder” of the cost of the conflict in Gaza. He stated that there was no doubt about who was responsible, adding that “Israel’s inquiry has already enumerated the inadequate processes and the unacceptable conduct” of the Israeli army personnel involved.
This must never happen again.
The British government on Saturday announced a new package of military and civilian support “to set up a maritime aid corridor to Gaza,” including the deployment of a Royal Navy ship to take part in a rescue mission in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“We cannot stand by with our head in our hands, wishing for an end to the fighting that may well not come — and that means ensuring the protection of people in all of Gaza, including Rafah.”
He emphasised that Israel has a responsibility to the people of Gaza, stressing that ordinary civilians must be safe and able to access basic needs. Cameron added that he “desperately wants this conflict to end” and for the people of Israel and the people of Gaza to be able to live in peace and security.
Some 33,200 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 75,900 wounded since the war in Gaza began on 7 October last year amid widespread destruction and a shortage of basic necessities, Gaza’s health ministry reports.
Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which recently asked it to do more to prevent famine in the Gaza Strip.
