British FM “worried” about Israel commiting war crimes
British Foreign Secretary and ex-Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed his concerns over the situation in Gaza and in the Middle East more generally, saying that Israel “could be” committing war crimes, according to Politico.
Cameron, who was in the 10 Downing Street hotseat from 2010 to 2016, made a stunning comeback into British political life after being appointed Foreign Secretary in November 2023.
A Sunak cabinet reshuffle paved the way for a Cameron return whilst former Foreign Secretary James Cleverley was appointed Home Secretary following the sacking of controversial right-wing minister Suella Braverman.
Given that he is not an MP following his resignation in 2016 and having gone to the House of Lords, he does not speak in the House of Commons.
READ: British PM in Israel to plead for sobriety after Gaza hospital attack
When pressed on the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Select Committee on January 9 about Israel breaking international law the Foreign Secretary replied, “Am I worried that Israel has taken action that might be in breach of international law, because this particular premises has been bombed or whatever? Yes, of course I’m worried about that.”
Lord Cameron’s comments come as Israel prepares to defend itself at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in the near future after South Africa accused it of genocide for its actions in Palestinian territories, notably Gaza.
Despite appearing to be worried about the dire situation in Gaza, where residents are dying by the thousand, over 1.6 million people have been displaced and aid has been struggling to get in since October 7, the UK government’s position has been “Israel has the right to defend itself” and has attacked those marching in solidarity with oppressed Palestinians.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman tried to get the national police to shut down pro-Palestine rallies, dubbing them “hate marches” and claiming that a large proportion of attendees are supporters of Gaza-controlling militants Hamas and/or are anti-Semitic.
The governing Conservative Party have also attempted to introduce an Anti-Boycott Bill which would criminalise public bodies who wish to boycott Israel.
With regards to the bill, Zarah Sultana, an MP for the opposition Labour Party, noted that the proposed legislation, would have made impossible the campaign by public bodies across the UK to boycott South Africa when under a system of apartheid.
Politico/ The Guardian
