Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor, has underscored a shift in approach towards the Israel-Gaza conflict, marking six months since its inception. While maintaining the UK’s support for Israel’s security measures, Sunak also expressed deep dismay over the recent deaths of three British aid workers in an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike. This tragic incident has prompted renewed calls for a “humanitarian pause” to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza.
In a concerted effort to address the humanitarian crisis, the UK announced the deployment of a Royal Navy ship to assist in aid distribution. Furthermore, the Foreign Office pledged £9.7 million towards aid initiatives, including the establishment of a maritime aid corridor between Cyprus and Gaza. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized that UK support for Israel’s right to self-defense is not without conditions, stressing the importance of adherence to international humanitarian law.
The past week has seen heightened scrutiny of Israeli actions following an IDF airstrike on a World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including three British military veterans. Israel attributed the incident to a “grave accident” and initiated an inquiry, leading to the dismissal of two military officers.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson rejected calls to halt arms sales to Israel in response to the WCK attack, asserting that such a move would be “shameful.” However, pressure mounts from various quarters, including more than 600 lawyers who urged the government to cease weapon exports to Israel, citing concerns of potential violations of international law.
Meanwhile, Labour’s shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, called for an immediate ceasefire and the safe return of Israeli hostages. The UK government’s focus remains on humanitarian efforts, with plans underway to establish a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to facilitate aid delivery. Urgent calls for revisions to the deconfliction mechanism aim to enhance the safety of humanitarian aid workers operating in the region.