Simon Walters, British Ambassador to Israel, speaks at an event in Tel Aviv to mark the anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attack, 13 October 2024: Times of Israel.
19 November 2024 – The United Kingdom has declared its readiness to provide full support to Israel in the event of an attack by Iran. British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters stressed that the UK will not only be a strategic ally of Israel, but is also ready to put its armed forces, including aircraft and personnel, at risk to protect its ally. This confirms his assertion that the UK is prepared to act together with other allies to guarantee Israel’s security, even if it requires decisive military action. He also referred to joint military operations, including the April attack, when the British Royal Air Force joined Israeli and American pilots to counter missile and drone attacks from Iran. The ambassador added that the British military was also involved in efforts to disrupt Iran’s plans to attack Israel on 1 October, TimeUkraineIsrael reports citing the Times of Israel.
Hamas and responsibility for the conflict
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Walters noted that military action cannot destroy Hamas or return the hostages it has taken. He warned that calls for a continuation of the war could be misguided: “No one is under the illusion that the destruction of Hamas is the real goal. We must focus on a peaceful settlement that includes a hostage deal, as this is the only way to bring them home.”
The UK Ambassador stressed that Hamas bears full responsibility for the outbreak of the conflict, including the 7 October attacks and hostage-taking, noting that a cessation of hostilities and the immediate release of all captured persons could significantly reduce civilian suffering.
Controversial issues of arms supply and international norms
Simon Walters also commented on the situation with Israeli arms licences, noting that some international legal norms may be violated. He drew attention to Israel’s refusal to allow the Red Cross access to prisoners taken from Gaza, which is a cause for concern among international organisations. According to the ambassador, regular visits by Red Cross representatives could ensure control over the conditions of detention of prisoners and protect Israel from possible accusations of human rights violations.
Restrictions on Palestinian rights in the West Bank
Walters also expressed concern about the situation in the West Bank, where Palestinians have limited access to the olive harvest. He stressed that many Israelis do not realise the extent of the occupation, which is reflected in the daily hardships faced by Palestinians. The ambassador also stressed the inadmissibility of attacks by Israeli extremists against civilians, pointing out the importance of ensuring justice for all parties to the conflict.
The British ambassador’s statements underline the UK’s strong support for Israel in the face of the growing threat from Iran and other parties to the conflict. The United Kingdom will remain on Israel’s side, reaffirming its commitment to act within the framework of international law and to maintain stability in the Middle East. However, as the Ambassador notes, it is important to maintain a focus on the peaceful resolution of conflicts, including the release of hostages and the provision of human rights for all parties.
