March 19, 2025 Story by: Editor
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has stated that Israel’s continued restriction of aid and supplies into Gaza constitutes a “breach of international law,” while also acknowledging Israel’s right to defend its security.
During a session in the House of Commons, Lammy was repeatedly questioned about Israel’s decision to halt aid deliveries, which followed a dispute with Hamas over ceasefire terms that were initially set in January after 15 months of genocide.
When Labour MP Rupa Huq inquired about the potential “consequences” of Israel’s actions during the holy month of Ramadan, Lammy responded directly:
“Well, my honourable friend is right. This is a breach of international law.”
He further expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation:
“Israel quite rightly must defend its own security, but we find the lack of aid—it’s now been 15 days since aid got into Gaza—unacceptable, hugely alarming, and very worrying.”
Lammy urged Israel to resume allowing aid shipments into Gaza, emphasizing that over 600 aid trucks per day had previously been entering the territory.
Israel’s Stance and Ceasefire Dispute
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the halt of aid deliveries after Hamas refused to extend the first phase of the ceasefire. Hamas insisted that any remaining Israeli hostages could only be released under the terms of the previously agreed phased deal, rather than the alternative plan proposed by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. This plan aimed to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, lasting until April 20.
With Gaza’s population of over 2 million largely dependent on international aid, the blockade has significantly worsened humanitarian conditions. While approximately 600 aid trucks had been entering the strip daily since the ceasefire began, Israel claims Hamas intercepts these shipments and “turns aid into weapons.”
The Israeli foreign ministry has denied allegations of a humanitarian crisis, stating:
“The only humanitarian suffering in Gaza is that of the Israeli hostages, who are being chained, starved, and held in Hamas tunnels.”
UK and International Response
Until now, the UK government had refrained from explicitly accusing Israel of violating international law. Instead, in a joint statement with France and Germany earlier this month, UK officials warned that the blockade “would risk violating international humanitarian law.”
The statement added:
“Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We reiterate that the civilians of Gaza who have suffered so much must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.”
UK Arms Sales Suspension
Last September, the UK suspended arms sales to Israel after determining that there was a “clear risk” British-made weapons might be used to commit “a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
The suspension affected components used in military aircraft deployed in Gaza, such as helicopters and drones, as well as targeting equipment. However, it notably did not include parts for multinational F-35 fighter jets—an omission that has drawn criticism from opposition MPs and human rights organizations.
Source: Sky News
