Desperate civilians who have endured 20 months of war should never face the risk of death or injury simply to feed themselves and their families. Falconer called for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for the perpetrators to be held accountable. He added that "Israel's unjustified block on aid into Gaza needs to end. It is inhumane."
These were the strongest terms a British minister used regarding the situation in Gaza. Nevertheless, many parliamentarians did not consider them strong enough, preferring the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action.
Tonight, the United Kingdom voted in favour of a UN Security Council resolution, which the United States vetoed. This was a significant diplomatic move, signalling the UK's decision to distance itself from the Trump administration.
"This is the first genocidal war broadcast live in real time, and the whole world watches it. They cannot ignore it. I mean, this should stop immediately," stated Palestinian human rights lawyer Raji Sourani, director of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights in Gaza. These were his opening remarks during the Britain Palestine Project's annual conference at King's College London, which was dedicated to The Rule of Law this year.
Sourani continued: "I cannot and will not accept the UK government saying, 'Well, for us, this is self-defence.' It cannot be self-defence. There is a big wrong in this. And if they continue with this rhetoric, they are partners—they are legitimizing what is going on. They are giving Israel full political cover."
His strong words resonated with an audience packed with lawyers and legal experts, deeply concerned about the intolerable deterioration of the situation in Gaza.
While a few months ago only a handful of Parliamentarians spoke about Gaza, today a significant shift is evident. The majority of backbench Labour MPs, several Conservatives, independents, Green Party representatives, nearly all 70 Liberal Democrat MPs (with leader Ed Davey among them), and the SNP—long-time supporters of the Palestinian cause—are pressing the government to adopt a more muscular policy towards Israel and to match its words with meaningful action.
What is driving the change?
Public opinion has shifted, some say. The media has begun to report what was previously confined to social media: the illegal practices of mass starvation and blatant war crimes committed daily by Israeli forces, often self-documented and posted online by the soldiers themselves.
This media exposure has led the public to realise that Britain may be complicit in war crimes in Gaza, such as the indiscriminate killing of civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. Israeli forces have destroyed Gaza's infrastructure, targeting hospitals, schools, mosques, and most residential buildings, reducing Gazans to living in tents. Worse still, families are being bombed even while sleeping in those tents.
Aware that these practices constitute war crimes, the public is increasingly unwilling to allow the UK government to continue supporting Israel without consequences.
Domestic and political pressures
The UK government's changing tone does not exist in a vacuum. Domestically, it faces mounting scrutiny over its Middle East policy. Public protests, parliamentary debates, and widespread media commentary reflect growing unease with the scale of civilian casualties and the lack of accountability for Israeli actions.
Critics argue that traditional UK support for Israel must be rebalanced with a firm commitment to human rights and international law. Some commentators have drawn historical parallels to earlier British policies that ignored Palestinian rights.
Last week, more than 800 British legal professionals—including Supreme Court justices, judges, King's Counsel, and legal scholars—called on the UK government to impose sanctions on Israel, citing grave violations of international law in Gaza and the occupied territories.
Jeremy Corbyn's intervention
Independent London MP Jeremy Corbyn has also demanded a public inquiry into UK complicity in what he calls the genocide in Gaza. Corbyn formally introduced a bill to the UK Parliament seeking transparency around Britain's military, economic, and political cooperation with Israel, including weapons transfers, intelligence sharing, and the use of the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus.
He directly criticised Labour Party leaders Keir Starmer, David Lammy, and John Healey, stating they should be investigated for overseeing UK complicity.
Civil society organisations have joined these calls, urging the government to recognise that a genocide is taking place. If it does, the UK—a signatory to the Genocide Convention—has legal obligations to act. This includes implementing ICJ provisional measures to prevent genocide, such as halting arms sales to Israel. However, the government appears reluctant, fearing that legal recognition would force it to take decisive action.
Concrete demands from civil society
There is a growing consensus among civil society groups and parliamentarians for a complete halt on arms sales to Israel, an end to military cooperation, and suspension of the use of the British RAF Akrotiri base, which is currently being used to refuel and support US and allied operations, including intelligence-sharing over Gaza.
Further demands include publishing the government's legal advice on complying with the ICJ advisory opinion regarding the occupation's illegality. As a signatory to the ICJ, the UK is obligated to abide by the court's rulings. Yet the government continues to adopt cosmetic, tokenistic measures, avoiding concrete actions.
A shift in tone
In recent months, the United Kingdom has signalled a notable shift in its diplomatic tone and policy toward the Gaza conflict. This shift reflects mounting global concern over the humanitarian crisis and reevaluating the UK's strategic priorities in the Middle East.
From alliance to scrutiny
Historically, the UK has maintained a strong alliance with Israel, supporting its right to self-defence while promoting a two-state solution. However, the resumption of hostilities in March 2025—after the collapse of a fragile January ceasefire—has prompted a more critical stance.
That ceasefire, intended to allow limited humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges, broke down when Israel halted all aid deliveries and expanded its military zones. While initially cautious, the UK has since voiced growing concern over the scale of the Israeli offensive and its impact on civilians.
Humanitarian concerns at the forefront
By April 2025, the UK government had renewed its calls for both parties to return to negotiations, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian access and the release of hostages. British officials echoed United Nations appeals to restore the January framework and condemned Israel's blockade of aid, warning of a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
This marked departure from the UK's earlier, more restrained responses reflects mounting pressure from humanitarian organizations, civil society groups, and political figures across the spectrum, who are calling on the government to better uphold international law and safeguard civilian life.
Toward diplomatic realignment
The UK's evolving approach is further evident in its growing engagement with international allies. In May 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined leaders from France and Canada in a joint statement endorsing renewed efforts toward a two-state solution and backing the Arab League's plan for post-conflict governance in Gaza.
The statement underscored the need for a coordinated international strategy to stabilize the region and rebuild Gaza's shattered infrastructure. In this context, Britain is no longer positioning itself solely as a staunch ally of Israel but rather as a potential mediator and advocate for long-term peace.
This includes active support for the upcoming High-Level Two-State Solution Conference at the United Nations, where the UK is expected to play a prominent diplomatic role.
Uncertain path forward
As the war grinds on, UK policy toward Israel and Gaza remains in flux. The government's recent actions suggest a growing readiness to challenge Israeli policies that deepen the humanitarian crisis. Yet it remains to be seen whether this rhetorical shift will translate into tangible policy measures, such as sanctions, arms embargoes, or increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
What is certain, however, is that Britain is recalibrating its position, seeking a more balanced and principled stance in one of the most complex and enduring conflicts of our time.
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