Israel’s actions in defending its borders against repeated Palestinian attacks have been called an “outrage” and “inhumane” by UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
In a message read out at a demonstration outside Downing Street on Saturday, Mr. Corbyn demanded that Prime Minister Theresa May support the United Nation’s call for an independent international inquiry.
Britain should also consider stopping the sale of arms to Israel that “could be used in violation of international law”, he said.
Mr. Corbyn’s intervention came after 10 days of sustained riots along the Israel/Gaza border driven by the Hamas terrorist group. He Tweeted this initial message:
The killing and wounding of yet more unarmed Palestinian protesters yesterday by Israeli forces in Gaza is an outrage.
I have asked for this statement to be read at today’s demonstration supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza: https://t.co/KzxZU83cIg
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 7, 2018
Mr. Corbyn’s statement then described Gaza Strip residents as “stateless refugees, subject to a decade-long blockade and the denial of basic human and political rights.” He continued:
More than two thirds are reliant on humanitarian assistance, with limited access to the most basic amenities, such as water and electricity.
They have a right to protest against their appalling conditions and the continuing blockade and occupation of Palestinian land, and in support of their right to return to their homes and their right to self-determination.
Firing live ammunition into crowds of unarmed civilians is illegal and inhumane and cannot be tolerated.
We stand in solidarity with the Israelis who have taken to the streets this last week to protest their government’s actions.
The silence from international powers with the responsibility of bringing a just settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict must end.
The UK Government must support the UN secretary-general’s call for an independent international inquiry into the killing of protesters in Gaza and review the sale of arms that could be used in violation of international law.
The events in Gaza and the threat of renewed conflict underlines the urgent necessity of genuine negotiations to achieve a viable two-state settlement that delivers peace, justice and security to both Palestinians and Israelis.
As Breitbart Jerusalem has reported, Hamas has been encouraging the violent riots, announcing Thursday it will compensate those injured or the families of those killed, ranging from $200 to $500 per injury to $3,000 for a death.
The terror group has also been instructing protesters to mask their faces while sending children as young as seven to the Gaza security fence.
Israel says it is doing what it must to defend its border and its troops have been responding with riot dispersal means and fire “in accordance with the rules of engagement.”
It alleges Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, is seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.
Follow Simon Kent on Twitter: Follow @SunSimonKent or e-mail to: skent@breitbart.com
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.