UK pledges tougher stance on Israeli actions in Gaza, West Bank

The UK government, through Foreign Minister Ed Miliband, has announced a tougher stance on Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Speaking at the Labour Party conference, Miliband described Israeli actions as "a stain on the conscience of the world" and pledged new sanctions. These measures include banning imports from illegal settlements and disrupting financial and service links to them. Miliband stated that the government is "matching word with action" to defend Palestinian rights, calling out alleged ethnic cleansing by settlers and evidence of war crimes in Gaza. The Labour Party also affirmed its opposition to actions undermining the two-state solution. However, the government has faced criticism regarding its links to Israel and its handling of pro-Palestinian protesters.

Ed Miliband, the UK's Foreign Secretary, will acknowledge at the Labour party conference that the party's past approach to the plight of Palestinians was insufficient. He will announce that the government is imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements, stating this action heeds the calls of millions and signifies a reset in Labour's foreign policy, particularly concerning the Middle East. Miliband will emphasize a commitment to more progressive foreign policy positions under Andy Burnham, aiming for the UK to lead like-minded countries in diplomacy. He will assert that Labour will not accept the status quo but will actively seek to change it, both domestically and internationally, by matching words with actions such as banning imports from illegal settlements and disrupting associated finance and services. This shift is presented as a new, more muscular foreign policy approach.