Alicia Kearns, a senior Tory politician in the UK, has publicly criticized the Israeli government’s approach to the handling of international humanitarian aid following the deaths of six aid workers. She has called for the UK government to suspend arms sales to Israel, arguing for the necessity of aid distribution and the prevention of famine. Her critique extends to U.S. President Joe Biden for his perceived delayed call for an immediate ceasefire and criticizes Israel’s military actions, including the bombing of the Iranian diplomatic consulate in Damascus. Kearns advocates for a distinction between supporting Israel and endorsing the actions of its current government, emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian laws.

In response to rising tensions and actions by the Israeli government, the Biden administration is considering labeling goods produced in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank to specify their origin. This potential move aims to reverse a policy from the Trump administration era and express U.S. dissatisfaction with Israeli settlement expansion and recent settler violence against Palestinians. Over 620,000 Jewish settlers reside in these territories, which were occupied by Israel during the 1967 six-day war. The change in policy is expected to face opposition from Israel, which condemns such measures as discriminatory.

In a significant policy shift responding to international pressure, Israel has agreed to open two border crossings into Gaza to facilitate the inflow of humanitarian aid. This decision was influenced by U.S. President Joe Biden, amidst warnings that future U.S. support for Israel could depend on its efforts to protect civilians and aid workers. The move comes after the deaths of three British aid workers in an Israeli airstrike sparked demands from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for a thorough investigation by Israel. The reopening of the Erez crossing and the Ashdod Port represents an effort to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, further fueled by the UN Human Rights Council’s resolution to hold Israel accountable for potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region.