Its positions are at stake after its exit from the European Union

Escalation in Gaza tests the strength of Britain's foreign policy

• The great devastation inflicted on Gaza requires Britain to take a bolder role to pressure Israel.

  EPA

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Since Britain's exit from the European Union, there have been expectations that it will advance a more robust foreign policy, in which it is freed from the restrictions that it was committed to within the bloc.

But those expectations have dimmed to some extent, in light of the recent escalation between Israel and the "Hamas" movement in Gaza, against the backdrop of Britain's position, which has not changed much from what was previously mentioned.

In a report published by the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), researcher Dr. Neil Quilliam said that the statements of British officials during the 11-day violence between Israel and "Hamas" did not do much to instill confidence between the Arab partners and their peoples, most of whom expected from Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State Dominic Raab should do more than just shout out exhausted terms.

William, a fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House, shared that there had been increasing expectations that, with "Global Britain" emerging from the shadows of the European Union, and its endeavor to deepen economic relations and sign trade deals, especially with old and new partners, it would also pursue a foreign policy. more stronger.

Disappointment

Quilliam explained that, despite this, in the event of the conflict between Israel and "Hamas", Britain left many partners feeling disappointed, and even liberated from illusion, because it did not offer anything new, but he did not waste everything, as there are ways in which the UK government can To escalate and not only change or revive its old, expendable narrative, but also take practical steps to reduce the likelihood of another round of conflict, and support broader efforts to address some of the key issues.

In a recent interview, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hussam Zomlot, called on the UK government to do more than just offer words of support for the ceasefire between Israel and "Hamas", and to reaffirm its commitment to the two-state solution.

He outlined a number of key actions the UK government should take, including recognition of the state of Palestine, ending imports from settlements, allowing the Palestinian Authority to use international mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, to hold Israel accountable for its actions, and lobbying (with the Palestinians) to advance With international momentum, to implement the existing international resolutions, instead of negotiating them.

Yet Quilliam argues that the UK is unlikely to take such measures anytime soon, even if it should.

Zomlot was not the first Arab ambassador to express his disappointment with the British government's "same old response" to the latest round of conflict. Indeed, it is fair to say that among Arab diplomats, expectations from "global Britain" were much higher than just sending carefully calculated messages at the best. Case, empty words at worst.

Since leaving the European Union, the UK government has sought to strengthen its relations with the Middle East, which has led its regional partners to expect a more decisive and forward-leaning foreign policy on key issues such as Palestine.

It can no longer hide behind the hesitation and elusiveness of the European Union, and as an Arab diplomat said: "All eyes are on the United Kingdom now and we expect more."

The time for vulgarity has passed

Meanwhile, it is clear that for a new generation of diplomats, and more importantly for the Palestinians, the time for vulgarity has passed, and it is no longer enough to say nice things or even strike a tone of balance. Quilliam says that if the UK hopes to retain any measure of its credibility Fading quick, and the ability to influence her partners, she should stop talking and take action.

And Quilliam says there is an immediate step the UK can take, which is to send a parliamentary fact-finding mission to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

This will not only support the ceasefire, but will also call for a new diplomatic push.

Moreover, unlike the governments of the United Kingdom, the British Parliament is an institution that is widely respected among Palestinians and Israelis, and thus has a very good opportunity to undertake a fair and open mission.

Of course, deploying such a mission requires the consent of Israel and the Palestinians, but London may call on the United States and other key partners to pressure both sides to comply.

Quilliam believes that there are a number of ways in which a fact-finding mission from the United Kingdom can contribute to transforming the current ceasefire into something more durable and sustainable.

First, this will support the cessation of hostilities, because the deployment of an international team in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza will require close coordination with the authorities to provide the mission with time and space to complete its work.

Secondly, this will help determine the causes of the last round of conflict based on the evidence of witnesses, but it will also help to better understand the immediate and cumulative impact on all sides, and the possibilities for reaching a solution.

Third, it will provide direct, independent and detailed knowledge, and insight into the situations in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Israel, which will help establish the facts and also help support a broader diplomatic move.

Fourth, the fact-finding mission could provide the basis for an early warning system to prevent another round of conflict, and entrust the international community with intervening responsibilities accordingly.

Finally, the mission will establish a mechanism to direct contacts between Israel and the Palestinians at this critical time, and thus this will be a catalyst and an integral part of a new international effort to resolve the crisis and end the occupation.

"It remains to be seen whether the UK will step up and take the lead," concludes Quilliam.

• If the UK hopes to retain any of its fading credibility and ability to influence its partners, it should stop talking and take action.

•

Since leaving the European Union, the UK government has sought to strengthen its relations with the Middle East, which has prompted its regional partners to anticipate a more decisive and forward-leaning foreign policy on key issues such as Palestine.

• It is clear that for a new generation of diplomats, and more importantly for the Palestinians, the time for vulgarity has passed, and it is no longer sufficient to say nice things or even achieve a tone of balance.

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