Britain has accused Israel of breaking international law for the first time since the start of the war with Hamas, as David Lammy has hit out at Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for blocking humanitarian aid.
The Foreign Secretary claimed Israel had committed “a breach of international law”.
This comes after the Israeli government recently ordered a block on humanitarian aid going into Gaza, including food, medicine and fuel, after Hamas refused to accept a ceasefire extension deal set out by the US.
Last year, the UK Government suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel after reviewing the country’s compliance with international humanitarian law.
Lammy’s accusation is the first time the UK has taken such a stance during the war, which began on October 7, 2023.
His comments were made during a debate in Parliament, where Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton Rupa Huq accused Israel of taking “provocative action during Ramadan”.
Huq continued by asking about the consequences of what people were calling a “breach of international law”.
Lammy said: “This is a breach of international law. Israel quite rightly must defend its own security. But we find the lack of aid – it’s now been 15 days since aid got into Gaza – unacceptable, hugely alarming and very worrying.”
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He urged Israel to return to the aid they were initially providing in order for Gazans to get the humanitarian support they need.
Although the Foreign Secretary has previously called out Israel for withholding humanitarian aid, he has only now claimed international law was broken.
In November of last year, Lammy was hit with criticism after promising “100 per cent” cooperation with the International Criminal Court after it issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
He is likely to face criticism again, as the previous Conservative government never went as far as to accuse Israel of breaking international law.
This comes before early Tuesday morning, Israel launched “extensive strikes” on Gaza, breaking the ceasefire in place since January.
Around 322 people have been killed or are reported missing.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed it was targeting Hamas “terror targets”, reportedly killing Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in the strip and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in Gaza.
This move came as negotiations to extend the ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, as Israel has said Hamas is refusing to release the 59 remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
This is the largest airstrike attack since the ceasefire took effect on January 19.
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The Foreign Secretary claimed Israel had committed “a breach of international law”.
This comes after the Israeli government recently ordered a block on humanitarian aid going into Gaza, including food, medicine and fuel, after Hamas refused to accept a ceasefire extension deal set out by the US.
Last year, the UK Government suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel after reviewing the country’s compliance with international humanitarian law.
Lammy’s accusation is the first time the UK has taken such a stance during the war, which began on October 7, 2023.
His comments were made during a debate in Parliament, where Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton Rupa Huq accused Israel of taking “provocative action during Ramadan”.
Huq continued by asking about the consequences of what people were calling a “breach of international law”.
Lammy said: “This is a breach of international law. Israel quite rightly must defend its own security. But we find the lack of aid – it’s now been 15 days since aid got into Gaza – unacceptable, hugely alarming and very worrying.”
MORE LIKE THIS:
- Over 330 people killed after Israel launches 'extensive strikes' on Gaza breaking two month-long ceasefire
- Hamas agrees to release US soldier as part of hostage exchange with Israel
- 'Return the hostages!' Israel cuts off Gaza electricity supply as tensions with Hamas flare over ceasefire
He urged Israel to return to the aid they were initially providing in order for Gazans to get the humanitarian support they need.
Although the Foreign Secretary has previously called out Israel for withholding humanitarian aid, he has only now claimed international law was broken.
In November of last year, Lammy was hit with criticism after promising “100 per cent” cooperation with the International Criminal Court after it issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
He is likely to face criticism again, as the previous Conservative government never went as far as to accuse Israel of breaking international law.
This comes before early Tuesday morning, Israel launched “extensive strikes” on Gaza, breaking the ceasefire in place since January.
Around 322 people have been killed or are reported missing.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed it was targeting Hamas “terror targets”, reportedly killing Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in the strip and the highest-ranking Hamas security official in Gaza.
This move came as negotiations to extend the ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, as Israel has said Hamas is refusing to release the 59 remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
This is the largest airstrike attack since the ceasefire took effect on January 19.
Find Out More...