The British Ambassador to “Israel,” Simon Walters, confirmed that the United Kingdom is prepared to “protect Israel once again if Iran attacks it. The UK will remain a close ally, ready to put its aircraft and personnel at risk to defend Israel.”
Speaking to Israeli journalists at his residence in “Ramat Gan,” Walters stated that:
“The Royal Air Force flew alongside Israeli and American pilots during the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel in April.”
He added:
“Without delving into details, the British Armed Forces played a role once again on October 1 in attempting to disrupt the Iranian attack on Israel.”
However, Walters remarked that military pressure on Hamas will neither secure the release of hostages nor eliminate the movement in Gaza.
He stated:
“I hear people calling for the war to continue until Hamas is destroyed, and I believe they are deceiving themselves. They imagine an outcome that will never materialize. It is vital to recognize this and focus efforts on negotiating a hostage deal because it is the only way to bring them home.”
Hamas and the Continuing Conflict
Walters attributed the continuation of what he referred to as the “conflict” to Hamas, saying:
“Hamas has the power to end this suffering by agreeing to a ceasefire and releasing all hostages immediately and unconditionally. We must recognize that responsibility for the attacks of October 7 and the abduction of hostages lies entirely with Hamas.”
Weapons Licenses and International Law
On the suspension of some British arms licenses for “Israel,” Walters clarified that:
“The risk of violating international law is clearly present here.”
He pointed to Israel’s refusal to allow the Red Cross access to prisoners captured from Gaza, noting:
“If the Red Cross had been allowed to visit the prisoners regularly, it would have reassured people about the conditions. This would not only protect the prisoners but also shield the guards from accusations.”
Walters also emphasized:
“Such access could prevent legal challenges. British NGOs are suing the government in court to push for stricter arms restrictions on Israel, and the government is fighting these attempts in court.”
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Despite the genocidal attacks and massive destruction in Gaza, “Israel” has so far failed to achieve any of its stated objectives for the war, particularly the recovery of its captives from the Strip and the total destruction of Hamas’s capabilities.
Backed by the United States, Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has resulted in approximately 148,000 Palestinian martyrs and wounded, most of whom are children and women. Over 10,000 individuals are missing, amidst immense destruction and famine that has claimed the lives of dozens of children and elderly individuals, marking one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.
