The prevention of the provision of aid to Gaza and the resulting starvation is causing the undernourishment of children resulting in known long-term mental damage (“The west’s shameful silence on Gaza”, FT View, May 7).
When added to the loss of limbs and the ongoing loss of lives of women and children and other innocents in Gaza, the relentless expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and the Netanyahu government’s steadfast refusal to discuss any possible role for an autonomous Palestinian entity in the future render any medium or longer-term solution unattainable.
While fully accepting Israel’s clear right to respond and to defend itself against the appalling attack by Hamas, the UK government needs to take action beyond simply expressing disapproval.
Taking the following four steps is unlikely to have a decisive impact if taken by the UK alone, but might lead to change if in due course the UK is joined by others.
First, impose immediate personal sanctions on Israeli cabinet members Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich on the grounds of their public calls for the removal of Arab populations from Gaza, their ongoing support for West Bank and Gaza settlements, and their backing for the effective annexation of both territories.
Second, impose a full embargo on the sale to Israel of any British weapons in use in Gaza for as long as the current attacks continue.
Third, impose sanctions on all products exported by Israeli West Bank settlers. The origin of such products will be difficult to identify and it is important that this does not slip into, or be confused with, any wider boycott of Israeli products. Such slippage would be uncomfortably analogous to the collective punishment meted out by Israel on the families and relations of terrorists and indeed unacceptable and counter-productive.
And fourth, recognise a potential future state of Palestine, followed by a suggested road map for achieving it (perhaps demilitarised and with its borders monitored and guaranteed by some form of international force).
Mark Moody-Stuart
Hassocks, West Sussex, UK
