British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will host Israeli President Isaac Herzog today. This high-stakes meeting occurs amidst intense international scrutiny. Furthermore, it follows significant military developments in the Gaza conflict. Consequently, the talks are expected to be highly challenging.
Therefore, Sir Keir plans to address the dire situation in Gaza directly. He will emphasize the horrific suffering witnessed by civilians. Additionally, he will discuss necessary actions Israel must take. This meeting happens after Israel struck Hamas leaders in Doha. Israel also ordered all Gaza City residents to evacuate immediately.
However, group of sixty MPs and peers strongly opposes this visit. They urge the government to deny President Herzog entry. They argue the UK risks complicity in genocide under UN treaties. Israel firmly denies these genocide allegations. The International Court of Justice is currently examining these claims.
Therefore, president Herzog’s role is largely ceremonial. His office states the visit aims to show solidarity with the UK’s Jewish community. This community reportedly faces a severe wave of antisemitism. However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting demanded accountability. He said Herzog must answer allegations of war crimes and ethnic cleansing.
Furthermore, downing Street clarified Sir Keir’s position. A spokesman expressed revulsion at the Gaza suffering. The Prime Minister will stress the intolerable situation. He will also call for action to end the horrific suffering. Sir Keir separately condemned the recent strikes in Doha. He stated they violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk regional escalation.
The UK government’s stance on genocide remains clear. Officials state they have not concluded Israel commits genocide. They believe international courts must make that determination. This position was detailed in a letter from former Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He noted genocide requires specific intent to destroy a group.
Amnesty International issued a stern warning to Sir Keir. They said he must not provide diplomatic cover for a state committing genocide. They called this visit a critical test of leadership and principle. Green Party leader Zack Polanski went further. He called for President Herzog’s arrest upon arrival in the UK.
Sir Keir recently met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Both leaders agreed Hamas should have no future governance role. They discussed urgent needs for a ceasefire and hostage release. They also emphasized a massive surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The context of this meeting is a devastating human cost. The Hamas-led attack on October 7th killed 1,200 Israelis. Hamas militants also took 251 hostages. Israeli military operations since then have killed over 64,605 people in Gaza according to local health officials. The UK government now walks a delicate diplomatic tightrope.
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