Gaza - First Posted 31 May 2024

 Since the General Election was called on 22nd May 2024, I've repeatedly been asked for my stance on the ongoing situation in Gaza.

If elected to represent the people of Tewkesbury Constituency in Westminster, I intend to do so in the spirit of transparency and accountability, so I will begin in earnest and present my position here. I do so as a retired military officer and compassionate human being:

"I am of the position that Israel should immediately cease its offensive military activity in Gaza. My position is consistent with that which the Liberal Democrats were the first major UK party to adopt."

The actions of Hamas against innocent Israeli civilians on 7th October 2023 represented some of the very worst human atrocities I have ever seen or read about. In the weeks which followed, it was clear that a military response from Israel would be necessary in pursuit of its mission to destroy Hamas as an organisation. After all, the bedrock of any state is its ability to defend itself.

Within weeks of the launch of Israel's military operation, it became clear that the Israeli PM would not and will not afford due consideration for innocent Palestinians in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. There have been several instances of journalists, aid workers and children being directly targeted, as well as countless civilians. It is unlikely that this activity is accidental - the pattern is too consistent. Even Israeli hostages have been shot by the IDF.

The fact that Hamas are still able to launch attacks at Israel from regions the IDF have 'cleared', suggests that Israeli military activity is failing to achieve its goal. There must be a diplomatic conclusion to this conflict, however long and arduous that process is. It will require multilateral cooperation and my preference would be that the UK recognises a Palestinian State.

It remains my position that Israel has every right to defend itself, and that Hamas is a terrorist organisation and should be conclusively defeated: militarily, economically, diplomatically, and internationally.

Cam.