Morning Note

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is pushing the West’s support for Israel to the brink.

Downing Street announced the UK’s commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state unless the Israeli government drastically alters its behavior on Tuesday, saying Israel must take “substantive steps” to end the Gaza catastrophe and commit to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution by September. Keir Starmer added that Hamas must release all remaining hostages, accept that it will play no role in the government of Gaza, and disarm.

Benjamin Netanyahu predictably responded by dismissing the move as a “reward for Hamas.” He did not elaborate on how calling for the terrorist group’s disarmament equates to rewarding it. 

Yesterday’s Morning Note touched on how offering principled criticism of the Israeli government is not hateful or antisemitic. The same sentiment applies to Netanyahu’s appeasement talking point. Critiquing or opposing Israel is not the same as supporting Hamas, just like loathing George Bush’s Iraq invasion doesn’t make you pro-Al Qaida. It doesn’t matter how many times radicals like the prime minister insist otherwise. 

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