- 'The UK condemns Israel's restrictions on aid in the strongest terms. This is a man-made crisis, and Israel must act immediately to address it,' says development minister
LONDON
Britain on Tuesday reiterated its support for an inclusive political process and said they are reviewing Syria sanctions along with allies at the moment.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said it is vital that the new Syria includes representation for all of its people and that all Syrians see themselves represented in the government.
"We are supporting an inclusive political process that must respect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, and we will continue in our efforts," he said during a Foreign Office questions session in the House of Commons.
When asked whether the UK is planning to lift its sanctions against Syria, the foreign secretary underlined that they will judge the new Syrian government "by their actions, not their words."
"We are alongside allies, reviewing sanctions at the moment. I won't comment in detail on that, but I'm very, very clear: we want to see an inclusive government," he stressed.
He reiterated that the UK is pleased with what they have seen in Syria so far.
Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups captured Damascus on Dec. 8 in a swift offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
The takeover marked the end of the Assad family's decades-long rule.
A new administration, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has since taken charge, and rebuilding efforts have begun.
Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, also noted that they have consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
In response to a question about Israel's occupation of the Golan Heights, Lammy said he raised the issue directly with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar, on Monday.
"He wanted to emphasize that this was a temporary measure in their national interests, and I emphasize that the Syrian foreign minister (Asaad al-Shaibani) had made it clear to me that they stand by the 1974 commitment, and they do not want to seek any escalation with their Israeli neighbor."
Israel has also unilaterally terminated the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria, deploying forces in the demilitarized buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights. The move has been condemned by the UN and several Arab nations.
While Israel claims its presence is temporary, officials have hinted at the necessity of maintaining influence in Syria for the foreseeable future.
UK condemns Israel's restrictions on aid
Regarding the ongoing Israeli attacks and reconstruction of Gaza, Lammy said that when there is a cease-fire, the role that the UK wants to play is both in ensuring that Israel has security while also working with other partners to ensure reconstruction.
"All of us in this house hoped to get to a cease-fire and the necessary rebuilding of Gaza with Israel safe and secure. And that will be very important so that the Middle East can move forward in an atmosphere of peace," he noted.
Anneliese Dodds, minister for Development, pointed out the scale of humanitarian suffering in Gaza, describing the current situation as "catastrophic and unacceptable."
"The UK condemns Israel's restrictions on aid in the strongest terms. This is a man-made crisis, and Israel must act immediately to address it," she noted.
When asked about the release of health care professionals taken into custody by Israeli forces, including Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, she said UK officials have raised the issue of health care facility protection and workers detention "directly with the Israeli government."
Dodds also reiterated the UK's position on the importance of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), stressing that the UN agency must be able to continue to operate to get that life-saving aid to people who need it.
On Oct. 28, 2024, the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset, passed a law prohibiting UNRWA’s operations in the occupied territories after accusing UN workers of participating in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. The UN agency denies any involvement in the attacks.
