Lock him up

The UK has a new prime minister, now it must act on Palestine

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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.

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingThe UK has a new prime minister, now it must act on Palestine

UN warns over ‘escalating’ Israeli occupier attacks against Palestinians in West Bank

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Israeli security forces take measures along the road as Israeli settlers, protected by Israeli forces, block roads leading to Palestinian farmers’ lands in the town of Izna, near Hebron in the West Bank, Palestine on July 10, 2026. [Wisam Hashlamoun – Anadolu Agency]

The UN on Monday warned against the “escalating” Israeli occupiers’ attacks on Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank, saying the violence has continued to cause casualties, property damage and displacement, Anadolu reports.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, during a news conference, said that “we are warning against escalating Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians as they continue to cause casualties, property damage, and displacement.”

He said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) personnel on the ground have “documented an attack in which two Palestinians were killed, and others injured” in the occupied West Bank on Saturday.

READ: West Bank killings show Israel’s encouragement of ‘ethnic cleansing’ against Palestinians, Israeli rights group says

He stressed that “the Palestinians across the occupied Palestinian territory must be protected,” and added that “the killings and violence must stop, and perpetrators must be held to account.”

In recent years, violent occupier attacks in the West Bank have become a daily phenomenon, with little action taken against the perpetrators.

According to official Palestinian figures, escalating attacks by the Israeli army and occupiers in the occupied West Bank since October 2023 have killed 1,181 Palestinians and injured nearly 13,000 others, while around 24,000 Palestinians have been arrested.

READ: ‘Jewish terrorism’ in West Bank ‘threatens everyone’s security,’ Israeli commander warns

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Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

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Continue ReadingUN warns over ‘escalating’ Israeli occupier attacks against Palestinians in West Bank

Israeli minister calls for settlement building in Gaza, claims enclave ‘part of Israel’

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Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Strook.[Wikipedia]

Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Strock called on Monday for rebuilding settlements in the Gaza Strip, claiming the enclave is “part of the Land of Israel.”

“Jews should live in the Gaza Strip. The demand to rebuild Jewish settlements is a correct demand,” Strock said in comments carried by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.

“Gaza is part of Israel not only according to the Torah and Halakha, but also according to international law,” she claimed.

International law considers Gaza part of the occupied Palestinian territory and says Israeli settlements in occupied land have no legal validity and violate international law and UN resolutions.

Strock’s remarks came a day after Israeli government ministers joined thousands of occupiers in a march through a closed military zone toward the Gaza border to show support for illegal settlement building in the enclave.

READ: ‘Jewish terrorism’ in West Bank ‘threatens everyone’s security,’ Israeli commander warns

Israeli news site The Times of Israel said the march was staged to mark the 21st anniversary of Israel’s evacuation of the Gush Katif settlement bloc in the Gaza Strip.

In August 2005, Israel evacuated four illegal settlements in the northern West Bank and the Gush Katif bloc in southern Gaza as part of its unilateral disengagement plan under then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

The outlet said extremist ministers and politicians took part in the march, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party.

According to organizers from the occupier group Nachala, 28 ministers and lawmakers from the ruling coalition attended the event.

On Sunday evening, Ben-Gvir posted a video on his X account under the title “Our Gaza.”

“If they had said three years ago that we would control 70% of the Gaza Strip, no one would have believed it. That is why I say today there will be Jewish settlements across all of Gaza, and we will encourage migration,” he said.

​​​​​​​It came amid growing calls by leaders of Israel’s far right to reestablish illegal settlements in Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 73,000 people and injured over 173,000 others in a brutal offensive since October 2023.

WATCH: Displaced civilians gather west of Gaza as Israeli forces control 70% of the territory

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Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIsraeli minister calls for settlement building in Gaza, claims enclave ‘part of Israel’

Mamdani says ICC warrant against Netanyahu should be ‘taken seriously’

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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speaks to members of the press during his during his visit to a childcare center in Manhattan, New York, U.S., on December 11, 2025. [Mostafa Bassim – Anadolu Agency]

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be “taken seriously,” hours US President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not face arrest in the US, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a press conference, Mamdani said Netanyahu is “the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant” over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.

“We’re speaking about someone who’s the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. And he’s the subject of this arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity, for war crimes, and he’s the architect of the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza as Israel’s prime minister,” Mamdani said.

He added that his remarks were based on “facts of public record,” not personal opinion.

“I believe that when someone is charged with an International Criminal Court warrant, it’s something that should be taken seriously—whether it’s Benjamin Netanyahu or it’s Vladimir Putin or whomever else. What I’ve also made clear is that my administration will follow all applicable local laws,” he said.

READ: Mamdani says New York City reviews authority to arrest Netanyahu during UN visit: Report

Mamdani reiterated that position, saying: “If someone is charged with a warrant by the International Criminal Court for these kinds of crimes, that’s something I believe should be honored. And I’ve also said that we will follow our local laws.”

His comments came after US President Donald Trump said Netanyahu would not face arrest in the United States.

In a Truth Social post earlier Monday, Trump said the Israeli leader “will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America.”

Earlier, Mamdani told The New York Times that his administration’s legal department was discussing the possibility of Netanyahu’s arrest if he visited New York, saying he believes the Israeli premier “belongs in The Hague.”

The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

READ: Netanyahu seeks extended security protection for his family beyond potential end of premiership

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Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingMamdani says ICC warrant against Netanyahu should be ‘taken seriously’