David Cameron plans to inform Israeli cabinet member Benny Gantz that the UK is becoming increasingly frustrated with the delay in delivering humanitarian assistance to the residents of Gaza. This conversation will take place in London on Wednesday.
The foreign secretary stated that Israel, as the occupying nation, is obligated under international humanitarian law to provide aid.
During a foreign affairs debate lasting six hours, Cameron proposed a coalition of similar nations to utilize frozen Russian assets as a guarantee for Ukraine to use, with the understanding that Russia would eventually be required to pay reparations.
“We are currently witnessing an alarming level of suffering in Gaza,” he stated. “I previously expressed concern about the possibility of this escalating into famine and the risk of illnesses developing into diseases. Sadly, we have reached that critical stage. People are succumbing to starvation and preventable illnesses.”
“We have a list of tasks we have requested from Israel, but unfortunately I must mention that the aid they received in February was only half of what they received in January,” he stated. “Therefore, patience is wearing thin and a series of warnings must be issued, starting with my meeting tomorrow with Minister Gantz during his visit to the UK.”
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Cameron outlined the list of appeals that the UK government had previously presented to Israel. This included the call for an increase in the categories of humanitarian aid that are permitted. He stated: “Currently, too many items are rejected under the premise of being potentially dual-use goods. However, we must acknowledge that some of these items are crucial for medical and other essential procedures. Additionally, we demand a reinstatement of electricity and water services to both the northern and southern areas of Gaza.”
Cameron issued a stern message regarding Israel’s violation of the laws of war, stating that as the occupying force, Israel holds responsibility and will face consequences for its actions. This will also impact our assessment of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.
During a permanent ceasefire, it is necessary to remove the Hamas leaders from Gaza and eliminate the terrorist infrastructure, according to him.
Clarifying the British stance on recognizing Palestine as a state, Cameron stated that it should not be granted at the initial stages of the peace process as it may hinder pressure on the Palestinians to make necessary reforms. However, it should also not be delayed until the end. The current American policy, which allows Israel to have veto power, should not dictate recognition. Instead, recognition should be used as a way to build unstoppable momentum towards a two-state solution.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Cameron expressed that he believes taking control of frozen Russian assets on behalf of the Ukrainian people would not harm the City of London. He suggested the possibility of utilizing a syndicated loan or bond, with the frozen assets acting as assurance, to provide funding to Ukraine with the understanding that it would be repaid through reparations from Russia. This alternative approach may be more effective. While the goal is to achieve a unified stance among the G7 and EU, if this is not possible, Cameron stated that he is prepared to proceed with supportive allies.
The secretary of state for foreign affairs stated that he believed Vladimir Putin would not only target Ukraine, expressing concern that granting Russia any type of victory in that region would put Moldova and certain Baltic countries in danger.
Source: theguardian.com
