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People stage a pro-Palestinian demonstration and call on Labour Party leader Andy Burnham, who is preparing to take office as prime minister, to impose comprehensive sanctions on Israel, in London, United Kingdom on July 18, 2026. [Raşid Necati Aslım – Anadolu Agency]

Britain has a new Prime Minister at a moment when history is demanding more than carefully worded statements.

As Andy Burnham enters Downing Street, he inherits a foreign policy crisis that has exposed deep divisions over Britain’s commitment to human rights, international law and the protection of civilian life: Israel’s devastating assault on Gaza.

For Palestinians, this is not an abstract diplomatic dispute. It is a humanitarian catastrophe that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced entire communities and reduced much of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure to ruins.

Many human rights experts, legal scholars and international organisations have warned that Israel’s actions may amount to genocide, with the International Court of Justice currently examining allegations brought by South Africa under the Genocide Convention. The debate over the legal determination continues, but the scale of suffering is undeniable.

The question now facing Britain’s new Prime Minister is whether the UK will continue responding with statements of concern or whether it will finally use its influence to demand meaningful action.

Thousands of people recently marched through London calling on Britain’s new leadership to take stronger action for Gaza, demanding an end to civilian suffering and greater accountability for those responsible. Their message was clear: Palestinians cannot survive on expressions of sympathy alone.

For decades, Britain has presented itself as a defender of international law and human rights.

British governments have condemned abuses committed by states around the world and called for accountability when civilian populations are harmed.

READ: Pro-Palestinian protest in London call on Andy Burnham to impose sanctions on Israel

But principles lose their meaning when they are applied selectively.

The suffering of Palestinian civilians should not be treated as a diplomatic inconvenience or reduced to carefully balanced language. International law exists precisely to protect vulnerable populations, especially during moments of war and political pressure.

If Britain genuinely believes in a rules-based international order, then Gaza is a defining test.

The UK cannot demand accountability from some governments while shielding allies from meaningful scrutiny. Human rights cannot depend on political relationships.

Palestinians Need More Than Words

Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned of the devastating conditions facing civilians in Gaza.

Aid agencies have highlighted widespread hunger, displacement, the destruction of medical facilities and the collapse of essential services. ActionAid has called on Britain’s new Prime Minister to take urgent action to protect Palestinians, ensure humanitarian access and uphold international humanitarian law.

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), which provides healthcare support to Palestinians living under occupation and conflict, has called on Britain’s new government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to protect Palestinian lives.

But humanitarian aid alone cannot address the root causes of this crisis.

The UK must use its diplomatic influence to demand an immediate end to actions that continue to devastate Palestinian civilian life.

This means supporting accountability mechanisms, ensuring British foreign policy does not contribute to violations of international law, and recognising that Palestinians have the same fundamental rights to freedom, safety and dignity as any other people.

Britain’s historical role in the Middle East gives it a particular responsibility.

The consequences of Britain’s decisions in the region continue to shape realities today, including the legacy of the British Mandate for Palestine and the events surrounding the creation of Israel in 1948.

That history does not mean Britain alone can solve the conflict. But it does mean Britain cannot claim neutrality while Palestinians continue to endure immense suffering.

A meaningful foreign policy requires more than managing diplomatic relationships. It requires moral courage.

The UK has significant influence through its diplomatic relationships, its position at the United Nations and its international standing.

READ: Red Ribbons Campaign calls for immediate implementation of Israeli Supreme Court ruling restoring ICRC access to Palestinian hostages and prisoners

That influence should be used to protect civilian lives—not simply preserve political alliances.

For many Palestinians, Muslims and human rights advocates in Britain, trust in Westminster has been severely damaged.

Many feel that Palestinian lives have been treated as less valuable and that the language of human rights has been applied inconsistently.

This is the challenge facing Andy Burnham’s government.

The new Prime Minister has an opportunity to demonstrate that Britain’s commitment to human rights is not selective, and that Palestinian suffering will not be ignored because confronting it is politically difficult.

History often judges governments not only by the crises they inherit, but by how they respond when confronted with injustice.

Gaza represents such a moment.

The question is whether Britain’s new leadership will look away, offer cautious statements, or take the steps necessary to protect Palestinian lives and uphold international law.

Palestinians do not need another government expressing concern while the destruction continues.

They need action.

Britain has a new Prime Minister. Now it must act on Palestine.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.