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On Tuesday, a United Nations panel concluded that the Israeli military has carried out systematic destruction in Palestinian territories. This conclusion is unsurprising, given that few states in history have been so explicit about their intentions.

For instance: In May, a top Israeli official stated that “Gaza is to be entirely destroyed”; a week later, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted that its forces are “destroying more and more houses in Gaza,” leaving Palestinians with nowhere to return.

Government’s Stance

At the beginning of this month, David Lammy wrote a communication to the leader of a parliamentary body, declaring that “officials has carefully considered the potential of genocide” and has not concluded that Israeli authorities is acting with genocidal motives. What explains separate organizations reach opposite conclusions?

The British government refrains from reaching a decision on genocide since if it was to, it would need to confront its involvement.

International Partnerships

Regarding international relations, the UK supports the America, Israel’s strongest ally. Britain still furnish Israeli forces with essential elements for fighter aircraft bombing Palestinian communities.

Israeli planes involved in these strikes have been authorized to arrive in the UK. The UK government continues to exchange data with Israeli officials. Britain operates constant monitoring operations over the territory.

And rather than impose broad penalties, British ministers enable business with Israel worth billions a year.

Hypocrisy

As Israeli president – noted for extreme comments about collective Palestinian guilt – is awarded the privilege of a state trip, many activists displaying banners condemning atrocities face incarceration as though they are dangerous extremists.

All measures directed at Israel has been symbolic, meant to reduce demands for action from the public. Ultimately, seven in 10 British people believe it’s probable Israel has violated international law, over half supports an arms embargo, a small fraction think Israel’s operations in Gaza is reasonable, and more than 50% endorse holding officials accountable for possible war crimes.

Individual Tragedies

Safety of those living in Gaza are seen as secondary than preserving ties with Israel and, through association, the US. On an individual basis, this policy plays out in the harshest of ways.

One individual, a constituent of Angela Rayner, got to know her on several occasions. They met at his establishment in 2019 and took photos, saying “Palestine must be free”. They toured on a visit to government buildings.

Not long after the genocide beginning in late 2023, his parent, sibling, sister-in-law and two family members were lost in an bombing. Seeking to save his wife and daughter – who had been buried under rubble three times – he reached out to the minister twice asking for support.

He claims he got no reply. In January 2024, he attended a Labour fundraiser where he got to his feet, holding images of his deceased parent, pleading for a ce ceasefire and saying passionately, “My relatives were killed in Gaza”.

This entire unfortunate event was on camera: he was aggressively ejected from the gathering and into public view. She took no action, except to say “response, you’ve made your point”. She then distanced herself on social media.

Not long after, she was featured by a news outlet, where the event was described as an example of threats politicians face, comparing it to the deaths of politicians. Afterwards, numerous of the man’s loved ones have been killed that their names cover extensive notes of a notebook.

Contrasting Treatment

Suppose an Israeli citizen had been expelled from the gathering of a leader they were acquainted with, after clutching photographs of their lost loved ones and begging for the conflict to cease. Instead of being framed as an example of dangerous abuse faced by politicians, the resulting uproar would be splashed on newspapers and be widely reported.

Final Thoughts

Ministers is evading difficult realities. It denies genocide, because acknowledging it would mean admitting their role. Reality, in the end, will emerge.