What’s happening:

During a liaison committee meeting, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confronted questions regarding the civilian death toll in Gaza and the potential violation of international humanitarian law by Israel. Conservative foreign affairs select committee chair Alicia Kearns led the tense exchange as Sunak acknowledged the excessive civilian casualties but refrained from blaming Israel outright.

Why it matters:

The UK’s position reflects a broader international debate regarding accountability and adherence to humanitarian law in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Sunak’s comments underscore the delicate balance that global leaders must maintain when addressing such sensitive issues, emphasizing the loss of life while navigating diplomatic relationships and legal implications.

The broader context:

Amid ongoing conflicts and global scrutiny, the question of Israel’s responsibility for civilian harm during its military operations remains a contentious point. This discussion is part of a larger international conversation about the ethics of warfare, human rights, and the need for immediate action, such as a ceasefire, to prevent further loss of civilian life.

Elsewhere:

Movements of solidarity with Israel and against antisemitism have been evident in demonstrations in the United States, capturing the complexity of the public’s response to the Israel-Gaza situation. Discussions of Jewish identity and the rise of antisemitism globally have become increasingly relevant, prompting a call for a reinvigorated sense of Jewish pride.

Advocacy for Jewish Pride:

In light of the growing wave of antisemitism, the founder of the modern Jewish Pride movement emphasizes the importance of Jewish identity as a source of pride rather than shame. The movement advocates empowerment and self-definition, rejecting hate and external narratives that attempt to diminish Jewish heritage and culture.

The bigger picture:

Jewish communities are encouraged to rediscover and reclaim their connections to Jewish culture and practices, maintaining their uniqueness and standing against demands for assimilation. The movement argues for the intrinsic value of Jewish identity, urging Jews to celebrate their heritage boldly and unapologetically.

The takeaway:

Prime Minister Sunak’s dialogue with MPs highlights the complexity surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict and the civilian toll. Concurrently, a call to action for Jewish communities around the world to foster pride in their identity resonates as a counterbalance to rising antisemitism, with a focus on self-definition and cultural affirmation.

This story was first published on theguardian.com.