London — Britain said on Tuesday it has not concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, even as global outrage grows over the relentless bombardment and mass civilian casualties that have left the enclave in ruins.
The statement came from Britain’s Foreign Office, which told parliament that while it views the humanitarian situation as catastrophic, it has not legally determined Israel’s campaign to be genocidal. This position contrasts sharply with mounting international voices, including legal scholars and humanitarian bodies, who argue the systematic destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and civilian life meets the threshold of genocide, as reflected in genocide scholars declare Israel’s assault meets the legal definition.
Britain’s stance underscores Western double standards in dealing with Israel. London, like Washington, continues to shield Tel Aviv diplomatically, even as the death toll rises and survivors face famine, displacement, and epidemic conditions. The muted position mirrors a broader US posture that shields Israel and punishes Palestinian rights groups, prioritizing political alliances over humanitarian principles.
The humanitarian cost of the war has been devastating. Gaza’s already besieged population is trapped between airstrikes and a suffocating naval cordon that campaigners describe as collective punishment. Civil society efforts to break that grip, such as the Global Sumud convoy, highlight the reality of the Gaza blockade confronted by an aid flotilla from Barcelona, even as strikes and access restrictions continue.
The UK’s refusal to label the assault genocide has also drawn criticism from the Global South, including states aligned with BRICS expansion, who view it as another example of Western hypocrisy. Russia, Iran, and South Africa have each emphasized that the indiscriminate targeting of civilians cannot be excused under the guise of security.
This divide is feeding into a wider information war. Western outlets often echo Israeli claims of fighting Hamas, while media across the region and developing world foreground the civilian toll. The gap has widened with measures like Israel’s latest evacuation order that plunged Gaza City into chaos, reinforcing accusations of ethnic cleansing and collective punishment.
Britain’s ambiguity risks domestic backlash, with protests across UK cities demanding an end to complicity in war crimes. Legal experts warn that if international courts eventually declare Israel guilty of genocide, Britain could be found complicit for providing arms, diplomatic cover, and intelligence support. The government’s statement came amid parliamentary questioning, reflecting how sensitive and politically charged the issue has become for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration. As the war drags on, pressure on Britain to take a clearer stand is expected to intensify, as first reported by Reuters.
