loud and clear

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.

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 

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

Israel launches fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon despite US-brokered deal

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Smoke rises from the town of Kfar Tebnit and the Ali al-Tahir hill area in the Nabatieh Governorate of southern Lebanon following Israeli airstrikes on June 19, 2026. [Ramiz Dallah – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli military on Saturday launched a fresh wave of airstrikes in southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv, Lebanese state media reported.

Three airstrikes targeted the al-Mashaa neighborhood in the town of al-Mansouri in the southern Tyre district, according to the National News Agency (NNA).

Israeli forces also blew up homes in the town of Houla in the southern Nabatieh district, the agency said.

A separate Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Kfar Tebnit, according to the NNA.

READ: US military team to visit Lebanon to support ceasefire implementation

The attacks came despite Lebanon and Israel signing a US-sponsored framework agreement last month that provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Since March 2, more than 4,300 people have been killed and over 12,000 injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Israeli forces continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, including areas held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 war. In the latest offensive, Israeli troops advanced more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory.

READ: Lebanese president ‘will not back down’ from negotiations with Israel

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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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
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 ReadingIsrael launches fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon despite US-brokered deal

Israeli occupiers attack workers, destroy farm in occupied 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]

Israeli occupiers on Saturday attacked municipal workers south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank and destroyed a farm northwest of the city in the latest attacks across the occupied Palestinian territory, Anadolu reports.

The occupiers attacked municipal workers from Qabalan while they were installing an electricity line in the Ain al-Qasab area, forcing them to suspend the work, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported, citing local sources.

In a separate incident northwest of Nablus, occupiers attacked a farm in the al-Masoudieh area, on land belonging to Burqa town, destroying its contents, including an agricultural structure, according to Diab Haji, head of the al-Masoudieh Land Defense Committee.

READ: Israeli military demolishes Palestinian home in West Bank village

In the northern West Bank governorate of Jenin, local sources told Wafa that occupiers attacked Khirbet Masoud near the town of Ya’bad on Saturday morning and released their livestock onto agricultural land, damaging crops and trees.

Khirbet Masoud and its surrounding areas have been subjected to repeated attacks by occupiers and the Israeli army, including raids on homes and grazing areas, as well as assaults on residents and their property, the agency added.

In the central West Bank governorate of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, occupiers also damaged crops in the Al-Khalayel area of Al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, after grazing their livestock on Palestinian-owned farmland.

Since October 2023, the occupied West Bank has witnessed intensified Israeli military raids and occupier attacks that have killed at least 1,175 Palestinians, injured 12,919 others, and led to the arrest of around 24,000 people, according to official Palestinian figures.

READ: 10 Palestinians injured in Israeli occupier, army attacks in occupied West Bank

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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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
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 occupiers attack workers, destroy farm in occupied West Bank

Germany criticizes Israel over West Bank, stops short of backing tougher EU measures

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German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul gives a speech in Berlin, Germany, on May 18, 2026. [Murat Gök – Anadolu Agency]

Germany on Friday criticized Israel’s continued expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank but stopped short of backing calls from EU partners for tougher measures, including a trade ban on goods from these settlements, Anadolu reports.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told a news conference in Berlin that Germany’s long-held position on illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories remains unchanged, and that it continues to remind Israel of its obligations under international law.

“All German governments to date — and we ourselves — have consistently issued statements to this effect,” Wadephul said, adding that he reiterated Germany’s expectations during his visit to Israel on Tuesday, when he discussed the latest developments with his Israeli counterpart.

“International law is the guiding principle here, and there must be no unilateral de facto annexation,” he said. “In particular, any form of settler violence is unacceptable. We expect the Israeli government to take decisive action against it.” He added that he had received assurances on the matter from his Israeli counterpart.

Wadephul stopped short of saying whether Germany would back proposals to ban or restrict imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank at Monday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers. Instead, he stressed the need to keep dialogue channels open with Israel.

READ: Situation worsening in West Bank, warn Italy, UK, France, Germany

“We have previously made decisions to impose sanctions on radical settler organizations prone to violence. We are ready to review the situation again at any time,” he said.

Wadephul argued that the immediate priority should be fostering conditions for progress on other urgent fronts.

“Overall, we must now foster a climate that guarantees, firstly, the success of the fruitful talks Israel is holding with Lebanon aimed at reaching an agreement. That is of historic importance,” he said. “And secondly, it is crucial that we finally make progress regarding the Gaza Strip. A solution there has been pending for far too long.”

He reiterated that Israel should not impose restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza and must allow more aid into the Palestinian territory. He also called for accelerating efforts to dismantle Hamas’s power structure.

“We must finally reach a point where responsibility for the Gaza Strip is gradually handed over to the Palestinian administration that is to be formed,” Wadephul said. “I believe we should focus on these questions now. And that will also be my key contribution at the EU foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday.”

READ: Report exposes pro-Israel network pushing Germany to defund UNRWA

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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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
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 ReadingGermany criticizes Israel over West Bank, stops short of backing tougher EU measures

Hundreds in Sweden protest Israeli attacks, ceasefire violations in Gaza

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Hundreds of people, holding banners and flags, gather to protest Israel’s attacks on Gaza, violations of ceasefires, and restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into the region in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 11, 2026 [Atila Altuntaş – Anadolu Agency]

Hundreds of people gathered in the Swedish capital Stockholm on Saturday to protest Israel’s attacks on Gaza, ceasefire violations, and restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the enclave, Anadolu reports.

The demonstrators gathered at Odenplan Square following calls by several civil society organizations.

Protesters carrying Palestinian flags chanted slogans against Israel and called for the immediate lifting of the blockade on Gaza.

They also accused Israel of violating the ceasefire reached on Oct. 10, 2025.

Dror Feiler, a Swedish Jewish activist and chair of European Jews for a Just Peace, told Anadolu that the demonstrators were standing up for Palestinian rights, justice and equality.

READ: Spain’s National Court opens probe into Israeli military officials over Gaza flotilla interception

“A peace achieved without justice is not real peace and will ultimately lead to another war,” Feiler said.

He accused the international community of turning away from alleged crimes against humanity and violations of international law in Gaza.

Feiler also criticized what he described as the collapse of the international order and laws established following World War II and the Holocaust, arguing that powerful actors apply rules according to their own interests.

Rejecting accusations of antisemitism against the demonstrations, he said protesters opposed oppression regardless of who carries it out.

“Criticizing the Israeli government or Zionism … does not make someone antisemitic,” Feiler said.

READ: Poll: 40 % of non-religious US Jews accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza

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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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
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 ReadingHundreds in Sweden protest Israeli attacks, ceasefire violations in Gaza