World
Britain’s Shift in Stance on Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
Explore Britain’s evolving position on Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict. This article delves into the implications of this shift, the reactions from various stakeholders, and what it means for future diplomatic relations.
Shifts in Britain’s Stance on Israel’s Actions in Gaza
For nearly ten months, the Conservative government of Britain aligned closely with the United States regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, with the recent transition to a Labour government, Britain appears to be re-evaluating its position and distancing itself from its traditional ally.
By the end of this week, it is anticipated that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will officially abandon the previous government’s resistance to the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s efforts to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This information comes from two sources familiar with the discussions, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
In a notable shift, Britain announced last week that it would resume funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), having determined that the agency had implemented measures to uphold “the highest standards of neutrality.” This decision comes in the wake of accusations from the Israeli government against several UNRWA employees, alleging their involvement in the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 or in subsequent events.
Taken together, these developments signal a government willing to exert increased pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu in light of Israel’s severe military actions in Gaza. Moreover, it reflects Starmer’s background as a former human rights lawyer, indicating a greater emphasis on international legal frameworks compared to the United States’ approach.
In May, President Joe Biden labeled the ICC prosecutor’s attempts to secure arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as “outrageous.” Although such warrants would primarily be symbolic, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives moved forward with legislation to impose sanctions on officials associated with the court.
Analysts emphasize that the new British government has yet to implement any concrete actions, such as suspending arms shipments to Israel. Officials have indicated that they are currently awaiting the outcomes of a legal review to determine whether Israel’s actions constitute violations of human rights laws.