eHalal Palestine
🇬🇧 Former UK MP Chris Williamson Criticizes UK’s Response to Gaza Conflict
Chris Williamson, a former member of parliament in the United Kingdom known for his pro-Palestine stance, has condemned the UK government’s reaction to the ongoing situation in Palestine, particularly in the aftermath of Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip. In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Williamson expressed strong disapproval of the UK’s political parties and government, stating that their stance has brought shame to the country.
Williamson, acknowledging the victory claimed by Hamas in its military operation on October 7, described it as an inevitable expression of resistance after 75 years of what he characterized as Israeli oppression and terrorism against the Palestinian people. He dismissed claims of Israel’s intelligence failure during the Al-Aqsa storm operation, emphasizing the ingenuity of the Resistance factions in planning and executing the operation.
When asked about Israel’s actions in Gaza and towards the Palestinians, Williamson accused Israel of committing egregious war crimes and perpetrating genocide, comparing its behavior to that of the Nazis. He strongly criticized the UK government’s response to the situation, labeling it as utterly despicable and indefensible.
Regarding UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s remarks expressing hope for Israel’s victory during his visit to the occupied territories, Williamson condemned the comments, stating that they illustrated the government’s alignment with the Israel lobby, causing offense to millions of British people.
In evaluating other UK political parties’ responses to the Gaza conflict, Williamson described the political system in Britain as broken. He criticized politicians for not speaking up for humanity and failing to call for the isolation of Israel, the breaking of diplomatic relations, and the imposition of sanctions against the country.
Williamson addressed the UK parliament’s failure to back the Scottish National Party’s motion for a ceasefire in Palestine, stating that it reflected the absolute moral bankruptcy of most British MPs. He further expressed his disappointment in the EU’s position, suggesting that the influence of the Israel lobby on European politicians has shaped their stance.
Responding to a question about why the West hesitates to condemn the carnage in Gaza and implement international law for Israel, Williamson attributed it to a lack of political will and political cowardice, with politicians either influenced by the Israel lobby or concerned about the impact on their careers.
When asked about the future of Israel’s rapprochement deals with the Arab world, particularly with Saudi Arabia, Williamson suggested that the normalization process had been dealt a severe blow after the Al-Aqsa Flood operation. He questioned how Arab leaders could resume the process after Israel’s actions in Gaza and expressed the belief that the entire Zionist project might be teetering.
In concluding the interview, Williamson called for continued pressure on policymakers through street protests and direct action to force policy changes by Western governments, putting meaningful pressure on Israel. He also advocated for more support from regional players for the resistance on the ground and the opening of new fronts against Israel.