UK Must Ensure Israel-Gaza War Doesn’t Damage National Interest, Says Tory Leader
The ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the UK’s national interest. According to Kemi Badenoch, a Tory leader, it is crucial that the UK takes a cautious approach to the situation to avoid damaging its national interest. In an interview with the BBC, Badenoch discussed the complexities of the conflict and the need for the UK to maintain a delicate balance in its response.
Badenoch was questioned about her earlier comments that Keir Starmer’s statement condemning the conduct of the war was "careless". She explained that the context of the conflict is crucial, citing the fact that 58 hostages are still being held in Gaza and that Israel is at war with a proxy war with Iran. "We need to make sure that the war that they’re having, which is a proxy war with Iran, is not one that damages our national interest," she said.
The Tory leader was asked if her comments implied that a British prime minister should not consider the tens of thousands of people killed in the conflict or listen to the UN chief’s warnings that millions are at risk of starving. Badenoch clarified that her comments were not about ignoring the humanitarian aspects of the conflict but rather about the need for the UK to approach the situation in a way that does not play into the hands of terrorist groups like Hamas. "Hamas praised that statement – that is a terrorist group," she said. "Israel is an ally, it doesn’t mean they’re perfect. It doesn’t mean that everything they’re doing is right, but if you want to have that sort of statement, you do what we did in government, which is behind closed doors you put the pressure on behind
