The officials warned of potential UK “complicity” in what they called “Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law” during the conflict in the Palestinian territory.
“In July 2024, staff expressed concern about Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law and potential UK government complicity,“ the staff wrote, according to excerpts cited by the BBC.
The letter added the UK government had contributed to “the erosion of global norms”, including through weapons exports, the broadcaster reported.
London has also sanctioned settlers in the West Bank and suspended negotiations on a free trade agreement with Israel.
“Since day one, this government has rigorously applied international law in relation to the war in Gaza,“ a Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said in a statement sent to AFP.
“This is an honourable course,“ they told staff, the BBC reported, adding that the response shocked the civil servants.
“There are systems in place which allow them to raise concerns if they have them,“ they added.
The war started after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says at least 54,927 people, the majority civilians, have been killed in Israel’s retaliation. The UN considers these figures reliable.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( UK foreign ministry staff warn of ‘complicity’ in Gaza )
Also on site :