New UK Labour govt faces pressure to change Israel-Palestine stance

As the UK’s new Labour government navigates the intricate landscape of Israel’s deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip, political analysts are closely scrutinizing Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent trip to the region.

Lammy’s call for an immediate cease-fire and his decision to resume funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) have sparked discussions of whether this hints at a shift in Britain’s stance.

Neve Gordon, an Israeli professor of international law and human rights at Queen Mary University of London, suggested that Lammy’s visit indicates a willingness to engage with regional issues.

“It is fairly obvious that at least some of his policies will differ from those of the Conservative government,” Gordon said.

He pointed to Lammy’s decision to resume UNRWA funding as a significant move. “Given the danger of famine and the breakdown of all life-saving and life-sustaining infrastructures in Gaza, this decision is informed by his notion of progressive realism.”

This approach, Gordon argues, aligns the UK more closely with Europe, rather than the US.  

Vague position on ICC warrants

However, Gordon expressed concern over Lammy’s stance on possible arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli leaders.

The Conservative government’s objection to these warrants, the Israeli professor contends, lacked legal merit and undermined international law.

Initially, Lammy appeared inclined to withdraw the objection, but has recently made statements that suggest otherwise.

“I do hope he does the right thing, even as it now seems that his progressive realism might have persuaded him to keep the objection intact in order to justify the funding of UNRWA,” said Gordon.

He added that “balancing acts” like this were characteristic of previous Labour governments, including that of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, but are “unethical and produce bad foreign policy.”

On May 20, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. Khan also requested warrants for three of the Hamas group's top leaders including its chief Ismail Haniyeh.  

Dismantling UNRWA would create regional humanitarian chaos

Joseph Willits, head of parliamentary affairs at the Council for Arab-British Understanding, said the visit clearly demonstrated that “this UK government is taking the situation in Gaza seriously,” referring to the resumption of UNRWA funding.

“The UK must solidify its support for UNRWA and protect it against Israeli threats to its operations,” Willits stated, highlighting the broader regional implications if UNRWA were to be dismantled.

On the Israeli threats to shut down UNRWA’s operations in Jerusalem and designate it a terrorist organization, Willits said the UK should be fully aware of the regional turmoil that could ensue if Israeli attempts to destroy UNRWA succeed, “not just in Gaza and the West Bank, but also in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, too.”

Willits also stressed the necessity for the UK to uphold international justice mechanisms. He called for the UK to support the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) unequivocally, especially in light of the ICJ’s recent advisory opinion that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal.  

Arms sales to Israel

According to Willits, the foreign secretary’s call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza must be backed up with full support for justice and accountability for Palestinians, including uncompromising endorsement for the ICC and the ICJ, including potential ICC arrest warrants.

“It was unfortunate therefore, that his visit included a photo with one of the parties for whom an arrest warrant has been sought, Benjamin Netanyahu,” he said.

Both analysts agree that the Labour government must take concrete action beyond rhetoric. Gordon proposed denying entry visas to Israelis who have settled illegally in occupied Palestinian territories and halting arms sales to Israel.

“The UK must stop arms sales to Israel if it is serious about complying with international law,” he asserted.

Willits added that the immediate priority should be demanding a cease-fire and ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza. He urged the UK to hold Israel accountable for its actions and end international complicity with Tel Aviv’s unlawful practices.

“The government must play an unequivocal role in securing justice and accountability for Palestinians,” he said.

As the Labour government navigates its policy path, it faces significant public and international pressure to balance its progressive ideals with practical diplomatic and humanitarian considerations.