Speaking to broadcasters, he agreed that there were “red lines” that Israel should not cross. Photo: PA
Israel must exercise “restraint and discipline” in its military response to Hamas terrorist attacks, the foreign minister said.
James Cleverley called on Tel Aviv to respect international law as it prepares to launch a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip as early as Sunday.
Talking to TV networks, he agreed there were “red lines” » Israel should not cross, and said Britain would “raise the issue of abuses” of human rights.
The Foreign Secretary said he had received “regular commitments” from the Israeli leadership that civilian casualties could be avoided.
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He told Sky News: “I have already said that restraint, discipline – these are the hallmarks of the IDF that I want to see.”
“Indeed, these are the hallmarks of a highly effective military organization. , which is the IDF, is in stark contrast to the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas.”
Tightening Downing Street's warnings to Israel
Mr Cleverley's remarks indicate a slight tightening in Downing Street's warnings to Israel that civilian casualties must be prevented. avoided.
Last week, as the country prepared its military response, he said that “the UK fully supports Israel's right to proportionate self-defence.”
Mr Cleverley would not say whether the UK believed Israel's actions in relation to the situation in the Gaza Strip constituted a breach of international law.
But he added: “Friends talk to friends honestly and we have very, very good working relationship with the Government of Israel.”
“Every time I spoke to them, I reinforced the UK's position on preserving lives and preventing civilian casualties.
“The UK’s position on issues of international law is absolutely unshakable. So, President Herzog said… that Israel will respect international law.
“This is in clear contrast to the statements coming out of Israel, which say that they respect and will respect international humanitarian law, and Hamas on the other hand, which specifically target civilians.”
Israel should not cross “red lines”
When asked if there were any “red lines” that Israel should not cross, he replied: ” Of course, all international support depends on the behavior of the partner country.”
“No country, including the UK, would give carte blanche to any other nation, and this is a universal truth not specific to Israel.
“I have received regular assurances from the Israeli leadership, both military and civilian , that they are aware that the Palestinian people are being used by Hamas, and they recognize this, and they are very aware of their responsibility.”
< p>Mr Cleverly said Tel Aviv “fully understands” the need to avoid civilian casualties in any military operation, adding it was “in Israel's interests”.
He warned that Hamas wants to turn the tables country. a response “to a wider Arab-Israeli war or even a war between the Muslim world and the rest of the world.”
“None of us, including Israel, want this to happen, and that is why we are doing it” . give this strong advice from a position of friendship,” he added.
At least 10 British citizens are being held hostage
The Foreign Secretary also confirmed that at least 10 British citizens were being held hostage by Hamas following last week's terrorist attack.
Asked if the figure was “at least 10”, he said: “It's not an unreasonable estimate of the number of people we're talking about.”
But he cautioned that no one knows the exact number yet, adding: “I'm very, very uncomfortable suggesting that there is certainty where, frankly, , there is none.”
The Foreign Secretary also insisted the UK would support British citizens in the Gaza Strip and said he was discussing opening the Rafah border crossing. with Egypt.
He said: “We continue to support them, we continue to update them as much as possible through text messages and any other means available.”
“So we will continue support British citizens in the Gaza Strip and we will continue to work with the US, Israelis and other countries to try to get this transition in place.”
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