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Recently, a United Nations panel concluded that Israeli forces is perpetrating systematic destruction in Gaza. This verdict comes as no shock, given that seldom do countries in history have been so explicit about their aims.

Consider these instances: Months ago, a top Israeli official declared that “Gaza is to be entirely destroyed”; a week later, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel is “razing more and more houses across Gaza,” leaving Palestinians with no home to go back to.

Official Position

In early September, Labour’s deputy prime minister issued a communication to the leader of a government committee, stating that “ministers has thoroughly reviewed the risk of genocide” and has not determined that Israel is acting with destructive aims. How can two bodies reach such different endpoints?

Ministers avoids making a decision on genocide since were it to, it would need to confront its role.

Alignment with Allies

Regarding foreign and military policy, the UK supports the United States, Tel Aviv’s key partner. Britain still supply Israeli forces with key parts for F-35 jets bombing Gaza and its people.

Aircraft engaged in aerial attacks have been permitted to touch down in the United Kingdom. The UK government continues to exchange data with Israel. Officials conduct ongoing reconnaissance missions over Gaza.

In place of implementing sweeping sanctions, government representatives facilitate trade with Israel worth billions a year.

Contradictions

As the nation’s leader – whose extreme comments about collective Palestinian guilt – is granted the recognition through diplomacy, many demonstrators carrying signs denouncing violence are detained as though they are dangerous extremists.

Every action directed at Israel has been performative, meant to dampen calls for change from the citizens. After all, seven in 10 British people feel it’s probable Israel has violated international law, many supports an weapons ban, a small fraction view Israel’s attack on Gaza is acceptable, and over half endorse Netanyahu’s arrest for possible violations.

Personal Stories

The lives of those residing in Gaza are considered secondary than upholding partnerships with Israel and, through association, the US. On an individual basis, this policy plays out in the cruelest of ways.

One individual, a resident of a senior politician, met her on multiple times. They met at his takeaway shop in 2019 and took photos, stating “Palestine must be free”. He joined her on a tour of parliament.

Soon after the violence erupting in late 2023, his mother, sibling, relative and two young nieces were lost in an bombing. Desperate to save his family – who had been trapped in debris three times – he contacted the minister twice to seek help.

He reports he received no response. Months later, he went to a Labour fundraiser where he got to his feet, holding images of his dead mother, urging for a halt in violence and saying passionately, “My relatives were killed in Gaza”.

The tawdry episode was filmed: he was aggressively ejected from the meeting and outside. Rayner did nothing, except to say “response, you’ve made your point”. Subsequently cut ties on online platforms.

Shortly after, she was questioned by media, where the incident was portrayed as an example of security concerns for leaders, linking it to the deaths of MPs. From that point, so many of his loved ones have been slaughtered that the list cover three pages of a journal.

Imagined Scenarios

Consider an Jewish resident had been forcibly removed from the fundraiser of a leader they knew well, after showing photographs of their dead relatives and begging for the conflict to cease. Rather than being framed as an example of dangerous abuse suffered by politicians, the response would be highlighted by newspapers and lead news bulletins.

Conclusion

Our government is avoiding hard facts. It denies genocide, since acknowledging it would mean accepting their role. Reality, ultimately, will emerge.