As we go to print, the new Labour Government has begun to make changes regarding Gaza, some positive but most maintaining the status quo. During a parliamentary statement on the Middle East on July 19, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will finally join the majority of countries in restoring funding for the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA).
“I can confirm to the House that we are overturning the suspension of UNRWA funding. Britain will provide £21 million in new funds,” said David Lammy, arguing that the change in policy was prompted by a reassurance that the agency “had taken steps to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality.”
When Labour MP Andy Slaughter inquired about the consequences of Israel’s breaches of international law, Lammy did not provide an answer. Green Party MP Ellie Chowns further pressed him to stop all UK arms exports to Israel due to considerable breaches of international law.
The Foreign Secretary defended his predecessor’s stance, claiming Israel uses the weapons for self-defense, arguing that nuclear state Israel is “surrounded by people who would see its annihilation—it is being attacked by the Houthis, Hezbollah are firing missiles, and Hamas want to wipe it off the map.” Therefore, he argued, a blanket ban on arms exports to Israel would not be appropriate.
After a brief debate in Parliament, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is unlawful and should come to an end. Nawaf Salam, President of the ICJ, stated, “Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law.”
The ruling aligns with the stance of the UN and the vast majority of the international community, which regards the Palestinian territories as being illegally occupied by Israel. As expected, Israel confirmed it will not comply. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office responded, “The Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land.”
Given the UK’s reluctance to impose an arms embargo on Israel or implement economic sanctions in response to its mounting international law violations, it is highly unlikely that we will see a policy shift that adheres to the ICJ’s ruling and demands Israel’s withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
This hesitation is evident in the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer’s, handling of the crisis. Despite the ongoing slaughter of innocent Palestinians—nearly 40,000 killed, including many women and children, and almost 90,000 injured—Starmer offers little beyond empty rhetoric. Instead of taking decisive action, the experienced human rights barrister merely expresses ‘concern’ and calls for a ceasefire.
This is most apparent in his approach to the critical shortages of food, water, and fuel affecting Gazans. While he echoes Rishi Sunak’s pledge of providing millions in aid, he neglects to outline a strategy for pressuring Israel to lift the restrictions that block this aid from reaching the besieged Palestinian population. Despite his compelling rhetoric during the election campaign, it seems Starmer is poised to squander his substantial parliamentary majority and effect minimal change in his predecessor’s stance toward Israel.
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