In his recent statements regarding Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza, David Lammy has acknowledged that he could have been more precise with his words. During a session in the Commons, Lammy asserted that Israel’s 16-day blockade of humanitarian supplies to Gaza was a violation of international law. This assertion prompted the prime minister’s official spokesperson to reiterate the government’s stance that Israel was potentially breaching humanitarian law.
Reflecting on his comments, Lammy acknowledged that it is a complex issue and stated that determining if international law has been violated is a matter for the courts to decide. The controversy surrounding his remarks coincided with a surge in air strikes by Israel on Gaza, the largest since the commencement of the ceasefire. The health ministry in Gaza, under Hamas control, reported over 400 casualties, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that this was just the commencement of the operations.
Since March 2, Israel has implemented a comprehensive ban on all food, fuel, and medicine supplies entering Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas into making concessions. When asked about the aid blockade by Labour MP Dr Rupa Huq, Lammy stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for Palestinians to receive essential humanitarian assistance without further delay. Lammy, who had just returned from a G7 meeting in the US before his appearance in the Commons, expressed his concern over the lack of aid reaching Gaza and urged Israel to resume the flow of humanitarian supplies as soon as possible.
Despite the backlash and calls for apology, Lammy maintained his position on Israel’s actions, emphasizing the breach of international humanitarian law. His prior decision to suspend arms sales to Israel following evidence of potential violations of international law underscores his commitment to upholding human rights principles. The prime minister’s official spokesperson reiterated the government’s stance that Israel’s actions in Gaza raise concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law, emphasizing the importance of accountability and adherence to international obligations
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