UK Foreign Secretary Accuses Israel of Causing Palestinian Suffering, Vows Settlement Import Ban

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, speaking at the Labour Party conference, dedicated a significant portion of his address to the situation in Gaza and Israel. He condemned Hamas's October 7th attack and affirmed Britain's commitment to combating antisemitism and opposing efforts to destroy Israel. However, Cameron also accused the Israeli government of causing suffering to Palestinians, labeling it a "stain on the conscience of the world."

Cameron reiterated his government's intention to ban imports from Israeli settlements, a policy he had previously announced in September. He stated that Britain would also cut off funding, construction, and services that support these settlements. He clarified that these measures are not aimed at trade with Israel within its pre-1967 borders, emphasizing that his criticisms are directed at the Israeli government, not the Israeli people.

Cameron outlined his vision for peace as a two-state solution, envisioning a secure Israel and a secure Palestine where both peoples can live freely and with dignity. He acknowledged that achieving this goal is currently distant. The Foreign Secretary also touched upon the need to address alleged "ethnic cleansing by settler terrorists," evidence of war crimes in Gaza, and the "illegal occupation of Palestinian territories."

Drawing on his personal family history, including his grandmother finding refuge in Israel after World War II and his parents fleeing the Nazis, Cameron urged against remaining passive in the face of oppression and injustice. He also addressed other foreign policy issues, pledging continued support for Ukraine against Russian threats, vowing to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons through sanctions and action against its proxies, and highlighting the need for international control over artificial intelligence development, with the UK aiming to lead efforts during its G20 presidency in 2027.