Over 100 Former British and French Diplomats Urge Boycott of Israel Over Alleged Ethnic Cleansing
More than 100 former British and French diplomats have sent an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, demanding strong actions against Israel, which they accuse of carrying out ethnic cleansing against Palestinians. The letter, signed by 52 former French diplomats and 50 former British ambassadors, many with experience in the Middle East, claims that "Palestine is being erased before our eyes" and asserts that "Israel is no longer a democratic state."
The diplomats acknowledge the horrific crimes committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, but argue that Israel's systematic policy to destroy Gaza and its population is unjustifiable. They criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that "Israel must live by its sword," calling it morally wrong and counterproductive, endangering Israel's security and closing off negotiation possibilities. They state that the world no longer views Israel as a true democracy due to its denial of rights and land to Palestinians.
The letter details the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where two million Palestinians are confined to 30 percent of their destroyed land, suffering from hunger, lack of medicine, and housing shortages. Since the so-called ceasefire, over 1,200 Palestinians have been killed. The diplomats also highlight ongoing house demolitions and settler violence in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, facilitated by the Israeli army and police, which they describe as ethnic cleansing. They warn that the occupation and destruction extend to Lebanon and Syria, calling it a stain on humanity's conscience.
They urge Macron and Burnham to implement International Criminal Court orders against Israeli officials, suspend arms trade agreements, halt trade deals between the EU, UK, and Israel, insist on unlimited aid to Gaza, ban trade with settlements, and take further measures to pressure Israel.
This letter echoes Hamas's accusations and represents a significant diplomatic condemnation from experienced former officials, calling for a reevaluation of Western policies toward Israel amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
