Cameron suggests UK won't support Rafah offensive

Israel is in breach of international law as the occupying power if it fails to provide food and water to the people of Gaza, the foreign secretary, David Cameron, told peers yesterday in his clearest warning yet over Israel's conduct.

- Patrick Wintour

Lord Cameron also said it was simply not possible for those in Rafah to leave as proposed by the Israel Defense Forces, remarks that suggest the UK would not endorse any Israeli plan to mount a full-scale attack on the area containing 1 million people in crowded refugee camps.

He also argued that the US was beginning to shift on when Palestine might be recognised so Israel is no longer given a veto. He said: "The people who are in Rafah on many occasions have already moved three, four or five times. And it's not possible to move again. That is why it's so important, the Israelis stop and think before going ahead with any operations and wrap up."

But he sidestepped a request by one peer for the UK to halt arms supplies to Israel, adding Hamas could stop this fight immediately.