UK ban on selling arms to Israel would strengthen Hamas, says Cameron
The photo credit belongs to Jeff Overs of the BBC. Jeff Overs from BBC took the picture.
A journalist who covers politics for BBC News
David Cameron has announced that the UK will not follow in the footsteps of the US and cease some of its weapons sales to Israel in the event that Israel undertakes a significant ground mission in Rafah.
During an interview with the BBC, the secretary of foreign affairs expressed his disapproval of Israel's proposal to conduct a ground attack in Rafah. He believes that refraining from selling weapons to the region would only serve to strengthen Hamas.
He stated that the weapons provided by the United Kingdom to Israel make up for a mere 1% of Israel's total weapon acquisitions.
Jonathan Ashworth, a member of the Labour party, expressed his disapproval of using weapons produced in the UK in Rafah.
In recent news, US President Joe Biden shook up a crucial strategic partnership by announcing that the US would cease providing weapons should Israel proceed with their proposed attack on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza that has been a haven for approximately 1.4 million individuals.
Israel announced its intention to carry out the previously scheduled actions in Rafah, disregarding alerts from the United States and other supporters that initiating a land attack might result in numerous noncombatant fatalities and a grave humanitarian predicament.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the current head of the Israeli government, has vowed to eradicate the groups of Hamas soldiers who are reportedly stationed in Rafah.
During an interview with Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, Lord Cameron expressed his reluctance to endorse a comprehensive attack on Rafah unless there is a specific strategy in place to safeguard the wellbeing of civilians.
He made the point that the United States is different from the United Kingdom since it is a significant supplier of weapons to many states.
According to Lord Cameron, the last time he was advised to stop selling weapons to Israel was when three British individuals lost their lives during an airstrike on aid workers in Gaza. He mentioned that shortly after this incident, Iran carried out a violent assault on Israel.
The speaker stated that a mere declaration about modifying the strategy regarding weapon sales would result in increased power for Hamas and lower the chances of reaching an arrangement to secure hostages.
He expressed his desire to concentrate solely on constantly pushing for humanitarian assistance to be delivered to Gaza.
During an interview with BBC, he expressed his disinterest in trying to communicate a message through political actions such as discontinuing the selling of weapons.
The statement made by Lord Cameron regarding British pressure and helping people, particularly in the release of hostages including British nationals, has drawn my attention.
A statement was made by Jonathan Ashworth, a prominent member of the Labour shadow cabinet, who expressed his concern about the use of British-made weapons during a potential full-scale attack in Rafah.
