🔗 Share this article

On Tuesday, a United Nations panel concluded that the Israeli military is committing acts of genocide in Palestinian territories. The finding is unsurprising, given that rarely have nations in history have been so explicit about their intentions.

To take just two examples: In May, the Israeli finance minister declared that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed”; a week later, the country’s premier boasted that its forces are “destroying more and more houses in Gaza,” leaving residents with no home to go back to.

Government’s Stance

In early September, a senior UK minister issued a communication to the head of a government committee, declaring that “officials has thoroughly reviewed the possibility of genocide” and has not determined that Israeli authorities is acting with genocidal intent. What explains separate organizations reach such different endpoints?

The British government has not come to a conclusion on genocide since if it was to, it would need to confront its complicity.

Alignment with Allies

Regarding diplomatic and defense strategy, ministers coordinates closely with the America, Israel’s strongest ally. The UK continues to supply Israeli forces with crucial components for F-35 jets attacking Palestinian communities.

Military jets carrying out this bombing have been permitted to touch down in the Britain. Ministers continues to share intelligence with Israeli officials. Britain operates relentless surveillance flights over the region.

In place of implementing comprehensive restrictions, British ministers facilitate trade with Israel worth significant sums a year.

Hypocrisy

Whereas the nation’s leader – noted for inflammatory statements about broad blame on Palestinians – is given the honour of an official visit, numerous activists holding placards opposing genocide have been arrested as though they are dangerous extremists.

Each step regarding Israel has been superficial, in order to dampen calls for change from the citizens. After all, a large majority British people think it’s likely Israel has committed war crimes, many favors an arms embargo, just 20% think Israel’s operations in Gaza is acceptable, and a majority advocate for Netanyahu’s arrest for alleged violations.

Human Cost

The lives of those from Gaza are seen as less important than maintaining relations with Israel and, through association, the US. At the personal level, this approach is evident in the most callous of ways.

One individual, a constituent of former deputy prime minister, interacted with her on multiple times. They met at his establishment in 2019 and took photos, stating “Palestine must be free”. They toured on a tour of parliament.

Within weeks the violence erupting in last year, his parent, sibling, relative and two young nieces were lost in an Israeli airstrike. Attempting to save his family – who had been trapped in debris three times – he emailed the minister repeatedly requesting assistance.

He claims he was ignored. Earlier this year, he was present at a political event where he stood up, holding images of his lost family, begging for a halt in violence and saying passionately, “My relatives were killed in Gaza”.

The distressing incident was recorded: he was escorted out from the meeting and on to the street. Rayner took no action, merely commenting “acknowledgement, you’ve made your point”. Later unfollowed him on online platforms.

Days later, she was featured by a broadcaster, where the event was portrayed as an example of risks to public figures, associating it with the murder of elected officials. Afterwards, so many of Neder’s relatives have been killed that the victims cover extensive notes of a journal.

Hypothetical Situations

Imagine if an individual from Israel had been expelled from the gathering of a leader they were acquainted with, after showing pictures of their lost loved ones and pleading for the violence to end. Instead of being described as an example of dangerous abuse suffered by politicians, the outcry would be highlighted by the press and lead news bulletins.

Final Thoughts

The UK administration is evading uncomfortable truths. Officials reject genocide, because recognizing it would mean admitting their involvement. The truth, in the end, will out.