LONDON
British lawmakers have ramped up criticism against Israel’s actions in Gaza, demanding the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, detained by Israeli forces for nearly two weeks.
John McDonnell, an independent MP, decried Israel’s actions, labeling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” for targeting healthcare workers, schools, and civilians. He called for a cease-fire and insisted that Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders be held accountable for war crimes. “Bombing hospitals, killing children, and detaining doctors are blatant violations of international law,” McDonnell asserted, urging the UK government to condemn these acts with more than words.
Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, echoed these demands, describing Abu Safiya’s plight as “appalling and heartbreaking.” He criticized the UK government’s inaction, urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to demand the doctor’s release. Burgon also highlighted Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis, with decimated infrastructure and over a million displaced Palestinians facing starvation and disease.
Both MPs reiterated calls for the UK to immediately halt arms sales to Israel. McDonnell criticized the government’s limited suspension of export licenses, arguing that UK-supplied weapons contribute to human rights abuses. Burgon emphasized the need for broader sanctions, accusing the government of hypocrisy for acting decisively against Russia while showing leniency toward Israel.
“Enough of the double standards,” Burgon declared. “It’s time to push Netanyahu toward a cease-fire, save lives, and end war crimes.”
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