Political leaders from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have formally called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to impose sanctions against Israel. Their demands stem from the escalating conflict in Gaza and include an immediate cessation of hostilities, a halt to arms sales to Israel, and an independent investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes.
These appeals are amplified by the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Casualty figures continue to climb, with over 207,000 Palestinians reported killed or injured, a significant majority being women and children. Thousands remain unaccounted for, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes.
In a parallel diplomatic development, France is experiencing friction with Israel following its recognition of the State of Palestine. Israeli media reports indicate that Israel's Foreign Minister Gidion Sa'ar has ordered the closure of the French consulate in Jerusalem. This action is reportedly a response to France's support for Palestinian statehood and accusations that the consulate has been leading an anti-Israel campaign.
France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has voiced concern that this measure could severely damage bilateral relations, warning of a strong reaction from Paris. This exchange highlights a divergence in European stances on the conflict, with France emerging as the first G7 nation to commit to recognizing Palestinian statehood, potentially setting a precedent for other Western countries.
Further reflecting a broader European sentiment, Norway's sovereign wealth fund, one of the world's largest with assets around $2 trillion, has announced its divestment from six Israeli companies operating in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This decision aligns with Norway's adherence to international law and human rights, following an ethics review that identified companies contributing to Israeli activities in occupied territories. The fund's ethics council will continue to review Israeli firms quarterly.
The international community's response underscores a growing emphasis on international law and human rights in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The calls for sanctions, the diplomatic repercussions between France and Israel, and Norway's divestment collectively signal a hardening of positions among several European nations. These actions are driven by the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with casualty figures and displacement underscoring the urgent need for a resolution and accountability for alleged war crimes.