UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has made a plea for “pauses” in the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the need for these interruptions to enable the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of hostages, and the evacuation of British nationals from Gaza. However, it’s important to note that Sunak differentiates these “pauses” from a traditional ceasefire, marking a nuanced approach to addressing the ongoing conflict.
The proposal for “pauses” in the fighting is driven by mounting concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. While these pauses would provide essential relief and support to the affected population, the distinction from a ceasefire underscores the complex dynamics and sensitive nature of the conflict.
Rishi Sunak, speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), highlighted the UK’s commitment to ensuring the safe evacuation of British nationals from Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance. He emphasized that creating a safer environment, which necessitates specific “pauses,” is crucial to achieving these objectives. Discussions on this matter took place with international partners at the United Nations.
It’s important to underline that the UK has consistently emphasized the need to protect civilians in accordance with international law and to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The UK is currently engaging in discussions with several other countries to explore the concept of “humanitarian pauses.” These discussions may lead to considerations for inclusion in a UN Security Council Resolution, as indicated by No. 10.
Late on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended Israel’s military actions while stressing the importance of considering “humanitarian pauses” to safeguard civilians in Gaza.
Simultaneously, Rishi Sunak announced that an RAF plane was en route to Egypt, carrying 21 tons of humanitarian supplies.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the UK maintains that Israel has the “right to protect itself” in response to what it characterizes as a “shockingly brutal terrorist attack” by Hamas. Downing Street underlines that a comprehensive ceasefire would primarily benefit Hamas. Therefore, the UK is exploring the possibility of “humanitarian pauses,” which would be temporary and limited in scope.
The exact framework and duration of these “pauses” are subjects for further discussion, with the willingness of the Israeli side to engage in such pauses being a pivotal consideration.
