Soon after Benjamin Netanyahu promised to wreak a “mighty vengeance” against the people of Gaza on 7 October, his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak tweeted unambiguous support for Israel.
According to Sunak, the UK would “stand unequivocally” with Israel. He assured Netanyahu of British “diplomatic, intelligence or security” support.
Sunak’s commitment was echoed by then Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on 9 October, when he said the UK would continue to support Israel’s military operation in Gaza. When asked if it was “proportionate” for Israel to cut off water, electricity, food and fuel, Cleverly said “Israel has a right to defend itself against attack,” seemingly unaware that occupying forces have no such right under international law.
Cleverly’s comments came on the same day that Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant infamously described the people of Gaza as “human animals.” …..more
