(Jewish Chronicle-UK) Ian Austin - How is it possible to say Israel has the right to defend itself after the Oct. 7 atrocities, but threaten to ban arms sales? Last week more than 130 MPs and peers called for arms sales to Israel to be suspended. Given the size of Israel, the Oct. 7 atrocities would equate to the slaughter of 10,000 British citizens. What would people in Britain expect if 2,500 British kids were murdered at Glastonbury or if 1,800 people were kidnapped by Islamist terrorists who had declared war on the UK? Responsibility for the situation in Gaza lies with Hamas who deliberately provoked this war. Imposing a ceasefire now would allow the terrorists the opportunity to repeat the atrocities. Hamas is completely opposed to any peace process. They are determined to destroy Israel and also murder Palestinians who believe in negotiations and coexistence. This is why, instead of threatening to ban arms exports, the UK should be doing everything possible to help Israel win the war as quickly as possible. The impact of an arms embargo would have much greater propaganda value than any impact on Israel's ability to fight the war. Moscow, Beijing and Tehran would be delighted by another example of the West's weakness in supporting the Middle East's only democracy and standing up for the values we share. Our enemies would be strengthened and our allies weakened. The writer is a former Labour MP.
2024-03-31 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive