David Lammy backtracks on Israel international law claims

David Lammy has retracted his statement that Israel has breached humanitarian laws with their 16-day blockade of humanitarian supplies in Gaza, following public discourse reflecting broader questions about how Western powers should respond to humanitarian crises when allied nations are involved.

This occurred when Lammy, addressing the House of Commons on the 17th of March stated that the blockade  “is a breach of international law,” becoming the first minister in the UK to take this stance.

Lammy unravelled these statements in a post on X to explain that he should have been “clearer” in his statements, reshaping his original argument to say that blockades and actions by Israel were just at “risk” of breaching humanitarian law.

Per Bloomberg, Lammy has further backtracked by now expressing that the situation is a “matter for the court” to decide if international law has been broken.

This could have marked a pivotal moment for international protest against the war in Gaza. However, Lammy’s recent remarks have raised concerns regarding the UK government’s stance on the conflict.

The backtracking by Lammy has not gone unnoticed. Campaigner for the Council for Arab-British Understanding Chris Doyle has expressed the wide sentiment that Lammy has let down the UK’s ability to stand up to atrocities and implement international law.

“It undermines the government’s claims that it respects international law and exposes a clear chasm between the Prime Minister and his Foreign Secretary,” said Doyle.

Government sources have maintained that legal determinations require careful assessment and judicial process.

It is this undermining and lack of call out by the British government which is causing such a lack of respect for the government which on one hand argues staunchly for humanitarian and international law to be upheld and with the other refuses to enforce it.

Critics have highlighted a perceived contrast between the UK’s approach to Ukraine and its response to Gaza. The government has openly condemned Putin and the war, funded Ukraine, and assisted in pushing Ukraine towards the EU to bolster and equip the continent.

However, regarding Netanyahu and Israel, the government has adopted a more measured stance, urging restraint while continuing to support Israel’s security concerns.

Although Lammy’s comments in the House of Commons opened the door for the UK at the very least hold Israel accountable for the events unfolding, they have rather allowed the UK to double down on its passive response.

Following discussions with Downing Street, Lammy clarified his position and maintained the passive condemnation that the UK has continued to display in the conflict since October 7th.

The episode highlights the complex diplomatic balancing act facing the UK government as it navigates calls for humanitarian protection while maintaining its strategic relationships in the Middle East.

House of Commons, Bloomberg, The National