UK Warns Israel of Possible Breach of International Law Over Gaza Actions

UK Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, issued a stern warning that Israel could be in violation of international law if it fails to provide essential resources like food and water to the people of Gaza. This marks Cameron’s clearest stance yet on Israel’s conduct amid the ongoing conflict. He expressed doubt about the feasibility of the Israeli Defense Forces’ proposal for people in Rafah to leave, suggesting the UK might not endorse any full-scale attack on the region housing over a million people in crowded refugee camps. Furthermore, he noted a potential shift in the U.S. stance on when to recognize Palestine, emphasizing a departure from allowing Israel a veto over a Palestinian state.

Cameron underscored the challenges faced by those in Rafah, having already moved multiple times, with limited options for relocation. He urged Israel to reconsider any military operations in the area. The U.S. is reportedly reviewing reports of civilian harm in Gaza under guidelines ensuring adherence to international humanitarian law. Although Cameron avoided calls to halt arms supplies to Israel, he stressed the necessity for Hamas leaders to leave Gaza for a sustained ceasefire.

He proposed a potential six-week pause in fighting as a step toward a lasting ceasefire, implying that Hamas might not be entirely destroyed as an organization, but its leadership removed from Gaza. Cameron expressed hope for a meeting on Friday in Munich involving major European and Arab foreign ministers, alongside the U.S. Secretary of State. Additionally, he urged China to support free trade in the Red Sea.