UK maintains deafening silence on Israeli onslaught on Gaza

More than three days into Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip and the UK government has to yet to comment, let alone condemn, Israel’s relentless bombardment of the besieged enclave.

Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, has limited himself to a bland tweet in which he confirms his discussion with Israeli foreign minister, Gabi Ashkenazi, before condemning “Hamas rocket attacks” against alleged civilian targets in Israel.

Spoke with @Gabi_Ashkenazi to condemn Hamas rocket attacks against civilians, and urge de-escalation of violence in Israel and the OPTs.

It is particularly important to end the violence as we approach Eid

— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) May 12, 2021

Raab makes no mention of the civilian casualties in Gaza nor does he discuss the lead-up to the latest round of violence, notably the unlawful eviction of Palestinian residents from the Sheikh Jarrah district in East Jerusalem (Al-Quds) and the brutal Israeli assault on worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

By contrast, former Labor Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has been unequivocal in placing the blame for the latest round of conflict, as well as the lead-up to it, squarely on Israel.

Corbyn tweeted that Israel could end the “bloodshed” by ending the siege of Gaza and the “occupation of Palestine”.

The escalation of hostilities overnight in Jerusalem & now Tel Aviv is a direct result of the home invasions #SheikJarrah by government-backed settlers. If it wanted, Israel could halt the bloodshed by ending the siege of Gaza and the occupation of Palestine. Ceasefire needed now

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 12, 2021

The vacuity at the heart of the government’s position was brought into sharper relief by a series of tweets on the conflict by the former chairwoman of the Conservative Party, Sayeeda Warsi.

In one tweet Warsi cautioned against creating a “culture of fear” and suffocating “free speech” on the issue of criticizing Israeli actions in the occupied territories.

Receiving dozens of calls from people unsure of how to discuss the violence & injustice in Israel/ Palestine - they are scared that what they say could impact their careers and future prospects.
We must not create a culture of fear and suffocate free speech on this issue.
🇮🇱 🇵🇸

— Sayeeda Warsi (@SayeedaWarsi) May 12, 2021

Once a stalwart of the Tory party, more recently Baroness Warsi has become a critic of government attitudes towards British Muslims, in addition to opposing the UK’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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