UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, has admitted that he is “worried” that Israel might have taken action in Gaza that breached international law.
Taking questions from parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Chair, Alicia Kearns, Cameron declined to say whether he had seen any Foreign Office legal advice stating that Israel has breached international humanitarian law in Gaza.
“The reason for not answering this question, I cannot recall every single bit of paper that has been put in front of me. I look at everything. Of course, there are a lot of things that have happened where you think surely that was something that shouldn’t have happened.”
Alicia Kearns
He acknowledged that he had seen things regarding the conflict that have been “deeply concerning”, but said it was not his job to make a “legal adjudication”.
“Am I worried that Israel has taken action that might be in breach of international law, because this particular premises has been bombed, or whatever? Yes, of course.”
David Cameron
Also, Cameron disclosed that he had seen figures showing that Hamas’ ability to launch rockets into Israel has been “considerably degraded” since the Israeli bombardment.
He said he had seen figures that Hamas has “lost over 50% of their capability and capacity in terms of being able to launch rockets and all the rest of it.”
When Committee Chair, Alicia Kearns suggested that such a major dismantling of Hamas might be an opportunity for a pause in fighting in northern Gaza, Cameron said that was a “very good point”, adding, “It is more helpful to have a human pause covering the whole of Gaza … but frankly anything would help.”
In addition, Cameron revealed that two British nationals are still being held in Gaza.
However, he added, “I don’t want to make any further comment on them.”
Asked whether it is known if they are still alive, he replied, “I just don’t want to say any more. We don’t have any information to share with you”.
Later, a news agency announced that Nadav Popplewell is one of the British hostages in Gaza.
It was reported that Popplewell, 51, was taken captive along with his mother, Channah Peri, 79, during the Hamas attack on their home in kibbutz Nirim.
Peri was released on November 24, 2023, as part of a temporary ceasefire deal.
Cameron Says South Africa Wrong To Bring Case Against Israel At ICJ
David Cameron, UK’s Foreign Secretary was reported as telling the foreign affairs committee that he thinks South Africa is wrong to bring a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice alleging genocide in Gaza.
“I don’t think it is helpful. I don’t agree with it. I don’t think it is right. I don’t think we should bandy around terms like genocide. It is for the courts to define genocide not states. Our view is that Israel has a right to defend itself.”
David Cameron
Cameron also stated that countries calling for a ceasefire in Gaza now need to explain how that would get rid of Hamas’s ability to fire more rockets at Israel.
He stressed that the UK wants a “sustainable ceasefire.” That would mean Hamas no longer being able to continue rocket attacks.
He said that he wants a sustainable ceasefire as soon as possible.
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