Britons Demand Apology From Lammy for Downplaying Gaza Genocide

Date: 30 October 2024 - 22:09

News ID: ۱۳۳۰۱۴

LONDON (Dispatches) – Dozens of public figures within the Arab-British community have signed an open letter addressed to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, demanding an apology for his remarks that they claim downplayed the Zionist reigme’s genocide in the Gaza Strip. The letter is the initiative of the Arab Assembly in Britain and follows Lammy’s comments in the House of Commons.
Speaking in response to a request from a Conservative MP to “take this opportunity to say that there is not a genocide occurring in the Middle East,” Lammy pointed out that these are legal terms and must be determined by international courts. “I agree with the Hon. Gentleman that those terms were largely used when millions of people lost their lives… The way that people are now using those terms [genocide] undermines their seriousness.”
MEMO’s Nasim Ahmed has pointed out that the foreign secretary demonstrated a “troubling lack of understanding” of what constitutes genocide. “The most obvious error,” said Ahmed, “one that is inexplicable given his position, is the claim that the term genocide is used when ‘millions’ are killed.” Lammy, he claimed, is seeking to redefine genocide “for no purpose other than to shield Israel from criticism….”
Representatives of the Arab-British community in the UK expressed their “profound condemnation” of Lammy’s Commons statement. “He is denying that the events in Gaza amount to genocide,” said the signatories of the open letter, “despite the extensive destruction affecting” civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“Mr Lammy’s statement not only belittles the severity of the situation but also disregards international law standards, which classify systematic targeting and destruction of civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian aid as clear indicators of genocide intent,” they pointed out.
The signatories noted that UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has reported actions that meet the criteria for genocide. Moreover, many international organizations and, indeed, states, have condemned the Zionist regime repeatedly for actions which constitute “genocide”. In January, the International Court of Justice described Israel’s actions as “plausible” genocide.
“The foreign secretary’s failure to acknowledge the scale of human rights violations in Gaza is disappointing, especially at a time when civilian suffering has reached unprecedented levels. By ignoring these painful realities, Mr. Lammy’s statement contributes to whitewashing the magnitude of the ongoing atrocities and, intentionally or not, justifies violations of international human rights laws and conventions.”
The signatories called on David Lammy to retract his statement, acknowledge the true tragedy facing the Palestinian people — genocide — and support international efforts to hold the Zionist regime accountable. “We also urge the UK government and global leaders to take a decisive stance in support of international law, justice and the protection of the Palestinian people at this critical time.”