A recent poll conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Action for Humanity and the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians has found that a significant majority of Britons who oppose Israel’s war on Gaza believe the onslaught amounts to genocide. The survey, which polled 2,010 people in early June, revealed that 55% of Britons are against Israel’s aggression, with 82% of those opponents believing Israel’s actions amount to genocide. This translates to 45% of adults in the UK viewing Israel’s actions as genocidal.
The survey also found that 65% of respondents believe the UK should enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit Britain. Othman Moqbel, head of Action for Humanity, said, “It is clear that a majority of the public here are disgusted with Israel’s conduct, and a growing number agree that this is clearly a genocide.” Moqbel added that the UK government is “out of touch” with the British public, and that they should do “everything in their power to stop Israel and seek justice against those responsible”.
Labour Party Voters’ Views
The survey also highlighted the positions of Britons who voted for the Labour Party in the 2024 general election. Of the 68% of Labour voters who are against Israel’s actions in Gaza, 87% believe they amount to genocide. Seventy-eight percent of Labour voters said the UK should enforce the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Jonathan Purcell of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians said, “The UK government is totally out of touch with the British public they are supposed to represent, and the Labour Party are even more out of touch with their own voters.”
UK Government Response
The UK government has faced criticism for its response to the conflict, with some calling for tougher sanctions and measures that would prevent Israel from receiving F-35 components made in Britain. While the UK has suspended 30 arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza amid concerns Israel was violating international humanitarian laws, critics argue that more needs to be done. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has adopted a harsher tone on Israel in recent weeks, sanctioning top officials, but the pace and power of the UK’s response remain a subject of debate.