imi

Solicitor

[Andy Burnham @andyburnham]

In a difficult and dangerous world, a decade on from Brexit, there is a risk that Britain loses the confidence to lead and stand up for its values.

I’m not prepared to let that happen. It is more important than ever that Britain stands for something.

We have called for years for a two-state solution in the Middle East, but we must recognise that those words are meaningless unless we back them up with action.

For too long, we have been hesitant to act, fearful of being accused of being anti-Israel.

Today we are announcing carefully judged, targeted steps that are not aimed at the Israeli people, but at the unacceptable policies of the current Israeli government.

The suffering of the Palestinian people is a scar on the conscience of the world. Innocent Palestinians, including children, continue to be killed in Gaza. And there is still a humanitarian crisis, with far too little aid getting in.

The scale of destruction is hard to comprehend. More than 70,000 people lie dead - at least 20,000 of them children. Families and communities have been torn apart. Millions displaced. And the population of Gaza is now penned into just one third of the territory.

I know that people across the UK feel very deeply about this issue - and so do I.

Before I became Prime Minister, I said our country’s response had been too slow and simply not good enough. That’s why I committed to changing the government’s approach.

I will not stand by as the horrific suffering continues to grow and the prospect of a two-state solution - the best hope for peace and stability in the region - comes under attack.

More settlements have been approved under the four years of this Israeli government than in the previous 20 years. The UN has reported more than 1,500 incidents of settler violence so far this year, aimed at driving out Palestinians. And the situation is growing worse, fast.

The Israeli government has now approved 104 new settlements since it took office in December 2022, and ahead of the October elections in Israel, it is allowing tenders for the construction of the E1 mega settlement to go ahead. This would cut a swathe through the heart of the West Bank - snuffing out the hope of realising a two-state solution. It cannot be allowed to happen.

That’s why we are announcing a new package of tough measures to put pressure on the Israeli government:

First, we will ban the trade in goods with illegal settlements in Palestine.

Second, we have formally changed the view of the British government to say for the first time that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful - independent of, but in line with, the conclusion of the international court of justice.

And third, we will sanction individuals and companies that support, facilitate or profit from illegal settlements. That includes any businesses or investors that take part in the construction of the E1 settlement.

In addition, we are announcing a new package of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.

We are taking these steps because it is the right thing to do.

I have condemned the monstrous terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 in the strongest possible terms - and continue to condemn Hamas. However, it does not justify the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza or the West Bank.

The measures we are taking are about targeting illegal settlements and increasing the pressure on the Israeli government to change course. We are not imposing sanctions on Israel as a whole, which would punish the Israeli people, many of whom disagree with their government’s position.

The Israeli people are not responsible for the actions of their government. And nor is the Jewish community in the UK. Blaming British Jews for the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is wrong, plain and simple. And it is antisemitism, plain and simple.

I met the representatives of the Jewish community just last week. I know the fear they live with day by day. My government will stop at nothing to ensure they are safe and to stamp out antisemitism in every part of our society.

The measures we are announcing today are about protecting the only solution that could see the Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side in peace and security - something that people up and down the UK desperately want to see.

The government I lead will keep working with our partners around the world to keep that hope alive.

[Jeremy Corbyn @jeremycorbyn]

Gary Lineker has had an extraordinary career on and off the pitch. A brilliant sportsman, an outstanding broadcaster and a wonderful human being.

For millions of people, @GaryLineker is the face of Match of the Day, but for millions more he is also the face of humility, warmth and decency.

He had the courage to defend the humanity of refugees and to speak out against the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. That should be recognised, remembered and celebrated.

Gary will be a huge loss to the BBC, but we will never forget the compassion he has shown for others.

Thank you Gary.

[imi @imi_d1986]

No response to this @AmazfitGlobal @AmazfitUK and still no reply to my further emails. Avoid this company!!

[imi @imi_d1986]

@AmazfitUK I have emailed your company on numerous occasions regarding the return of a product but have been ignored following an initial response. Extremely poor customer service!

[imi @imi_d1986]

@VodafoneUK appears to be no signal! #Vodafone

[imi @imi_d1986]

Chairman of a charity predominantly for children's aid is against stopping the murdering of children. Perhaps "resigned" should read "sacked". He's essentially the equivalent of a paedophile working in a nursery, good riddance!

[The Times and Sunday Times @thetimes]

The chairman of Comic Relief has resigned over the charity’s position on Gaza. The Times understands the issue was Comic Relief’s decision to join organisations calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war ⬇️ https://t.co/RXUzdPPgBC

[Halal Nation @HalalNation_]

Don’t underestimate the power of boycott 📉

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[Majid Freeman @Majstar7]

“We all know who started this. The Israeli occupation is the original sin in this case.”

🇵🇰🇵🇸 Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN criticises Canada for focusing on October 7th while failing to hold Israel accountable for the deaths of 7,000 Palestinians and decades of “murdering and killing Palestinians with impunity”.

#Gaza_Genocide

[Jeremy Corbyn @jeremycorbyn]

An entire culture, history and people are disappearing under the rubble – buried by the moral cowardice of our political leaders.

Artists whose work we will never know.

Teachers whose lessons we will never learn.

Children whose laughter we will never hear.

We must keep raising our voice for an immediate ceasefire. For the universal application of international law. For our shared humanity.

For the only path to a just & lasting peace: an end to the occupation of Palestine.

[Frankie Boyle Updates @frankieboyle]

Many British politicians now backtracking from their statements supporting Israel’s right to deny water and electricity to civilians. The new position is they think international law should be upheld. Worth noting that the blockade of Gaza is illegal under international law, as is the occupation in general, and has been condemned as such by countless UN resolutions

[Saif Ahmed @saifahmed75]

Disappointing to see World Cup opening in front of just a few hundred spectators in Ahemdabad. Very disappointing
#CWC23 #WorldCup #ENGvNZ

[Sarah Wilkinson @swilkinsonbc]

Professor Norman Finkelstein, gallingly interrupted by the BBC anchor, makes clear why the israeli regime is a lunatic state | via @Byrnzie800

[Jeremy Corbyn @jeremycorbyn]

The latest assault on Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa mosque is an egregious violation of human rights.

Israeli forces continue to carry out a violent system of apartheid with impunity.

We must speak up for Palestinians and their right to live in freedom, dignity & peace.

[imi @imi_d1986]

@DominicKing_DM Maybe the England football team should all start selling steak? Only way they'll get their hands on the World Cup. Bitter twats! Lol!

[Tony Bellew @TonyBellew]

Gotta say this! Qatar have shown what no alcohol at World Cup matches can do! I haven’t heard or seen one single bit of violence and that’s a first in my lifetime! I wasn’t sure how it was gonna work so kept quiet before but fair play to them they’ve put on an amazing spectacle👏

[Kevin Pietersen🦏 @KP24]

A football tournament without hooligans. And being at last years Wembley disgrace & now in Qatar, Qatar is the standout!
Maybe EVERY football tournament can be in the Middle East so our fan experience can be memorable! 🙏🏽

[imi @imi_d1986]

None of the racist idiots @GaryLineker @JamesPearceLFC (and many more) had an issue with previous winners adorning local dress. Best World Cup ever and these thickos still got something to moan about 🤦

[imi @imi_d1986]

@GaryLineker Imagine that Gary, people in the media only relying on one side of the account. "Agenda" you call it?

[imi @imi_d1986]

@GaryLineker Wow someone from the @BBC @GaryLineker saying something positive about the Qatar WC.