The Health Secretary has called for accountability from the Israeli President regarding alleged war crimes attributed to Israel during his upcoming visit to the UK to meet with Keir Starmer, a senior Cabinet minister. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the need for Isaac Herzog to clarify how the Israeli government plans to achieve its objectives in Gaza without resorting to genocide. While refraining from directly accusing Israel of genocide, the UK government has not confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration is actively seeking to destroy any specific group based on national, ethnic, racial, or religious grounds.
Streeting stressed the importance of addressing allegations of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and genocide directed at the Israeli government. He highlighted the necessity for the Israeli President to justify the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in light of the documented atrocities. Streeting also referenced distressing accounts from British doctors who witnessed severe conditions in Gaza, including reports of food shortages, even for infants.
Additionally, Mr. Hamas condemned the attacks on Israel by Hamas in October 2023 as “barbaric,” “immoral,” and “inhumane.” He expressed concern over the civilian casualties and suffering in Gaza, as well as acts of terrorism by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.