Negotiations for Israel-Palestine peace have come to a halt since the commencement of the conflict. In a recent speech, the British Foreign Secretary called for a ceasefire in Gaza but concurrently asserted that Israel has the right to reject Hamas’s administration of the Gaza Strip. During his visit to Israel, the Foreign Secretary underscored the importance of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, emphasising that a political solution, rather than a military one, is the key to ending the conflict. According to Cameron, an urgent pause is required to facilitate the delivery of aid and the safe evacuation of hostages, given the desperate situation on the ground. In summary, the British position supports an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and stresses the need for a political resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The preconditions for negotiations, as indicated by the British Foreign Secretary, include the establishment of a ceasefire, humanitarian assistance delivery, and ensuring the safety of hostages.
Britain wants a lasting ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel.
The UK is looking for negotiations for Israel-Palestine peace.
During a speech, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron emphasised the urgency of an immediate humanitarian pause to facilitate aid delivery and the evacuation of hostages, followed by establishing a sustainable ceasefire. However, Cameron did not explicitly reference civilian casualties caused by Israel, stating, “The scale of suffering in Gaza is unimaginable. More must be done, faster, to help people trapped in this desperate situation.” Addressing the necessity of ending the conflict in the Gaza Strip, he mentioned, “We have tripled our assistance for Gaza, but our efforts will only make a difference if aid reaches those who need it most.” Additionally, the Foreign Secretary supported the International Court of Justice’s call for the prompt release of prisoners and increased relief aid for Gaza.
Israel does not accept Hamas’ control over Gaza
David Cameron thinks that Israel will not accept Hamas’ control of Gaza from now on. Cameron claimed: “Recognise that they have to minimise civilian casualties; they must obey international humanitarian law at all times.” The foreign secretary added: “We want to see a much more surgical, clinical, and targeted approach when it comes to dealing with Hamas.”
The UK’s 5-point plan to end the war
As Israel’s attacks on Hamas persist, reports in the media highlight the British government’s five-point plan aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to the Financial Times, British Foreign Minister David Cameron discussed this plan with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. The proposed measures include:
- an immediate cessation of aggressive actions;
- the release of prisoners, and
- negotiations to establish a lasting ceasefire.
Additionally, the plan outlines a political vision for the creation of a Palestinian state and the formation of a technocratic Palestinian government to oversee both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Notably, the plan suggests the relocation of Hamas leaders from the Gaza Strip to another country, as outlined in the London proposal.
Sunak calls for ‘sustainable ceasefire’ in Gaza
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the country supports a “sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza on the condition that Hamas stops firing rockets at Israel and releases all prisoners. During the weekly session of questioning the Prime Minister in the House of Commons, Sunak claimed: “It’s clear that too many civilian lives have been lost, and nobody wants to see this conflict go on a day longer than it has to.” He claimed: “We are concerned, as we have set out before, that too many civilians are being killed in Gaza and that their vital infrastructure is being destroyed.”
Britain abstained from establishing a ceasefire in Gaza
A few weeks ago, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution with the positive vote of 153 of its members, which is an overwhelming majority of votes, which calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners. The UK, America, and countries like Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Ukraine abstained from this resolution. In response to a question about the country’s reason for abstaining from the UN General Assembly resolution on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Sunak claimed: “As I’ve said consistently, we’re deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the fighting in Gaza on the civilian population.” Sanctioning officials and sponsors of Hamas and Islamic Jihad
The UK Foreign Secretary issued a statement and announced that this country, in a coordinated action with the United States of America, has imposed new sanctions against the officials and sponsors of Hamas. This is the second round of coordinated sanctions by the two countries against Hamas-affiliated elements since the beginning of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Rishi Sunak’s government continued to support Israel against Hamas fully. It claimed that the Israeli army did not commit genocide in Gaza, and from this point of view, South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice is wrong.
Cameron: Israel has the right to defend itself
The British Foreign Secretary issued a statement and announced: “We respect the role and independence of the ICJ. However, we have stated that we are concerned about this case, which does not help achieve a sustainable ceasefire.” Referring to Israel’s alleged right to self-defence, the statement asserted: “Our view is that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be described as a genocide, which is why we thought South Africa’s decision to bring the case was wrong and provocative.”
ICJ’s special ruling against Israel in Gaza
The International Court of Justice announced its special ruling on South Africa’s complaint against Israel for committing genocide in Gaza and the need to take extraordinary measures. According to this ruling, Israel must take the necessary measures to prevent the killing of a human group. Israel must also ensure that its forces do not commit the crime of genocide and take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. In response to the ruling, the South African government emphasised that it welcomes the interim measures imposed by the International Court of Justice against Israel. The South African government announced: “Today marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people.”
The UK’s serious support for the idea of two states
Negotiations for Israel-Palestine peace have reached an impasse, and there is no positive outlook until Israel and Hamas attacks against each other stop. According to the British plan, the war in the Gaza Strip will be stopped, the hostages will be released, and negotiations will be held for a permanent ceasefire. The British Foreign Minister has raised this plan with the heads of Israel and the Palestinians this week. The British plan includes determining the political horizon for the formation of a Palestinian state, as well as the formation of a cabinet to manage the West Bank and Gaza. According to the British plan, the leaders of Hamas will leave Gaza and be transferred to another country.