The UK’s Armed Forces Minister, James Heappey, has expressed concerns about Israel’s impending military offensive on Gaza, describing it as potentially “horrific” and indicating that it may involve witnessing distressing events.
He noted that Israel is taking measures to minimize civilian casualties by urging residents in northern Gaza to relocate southward. However, he highlighted the task of Hamas the usage of civilians as human shields, making it hard to protect non-combatants.
"Israel doesn't want to see innocent Palestinians suffer" says immigration minister Robert Jenrick
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 22, 2023
"But turning off the water affects all Palestinian people, not just Hamas" replies Victoria Derbyshire#BBCLauraK https://t.co/op75id66Sq pic.twitter.com/5ZczIn5Jwd
Heappey emphasized that he believes Israel will be precise in its targeting and have accurate intelligence on their objectives.Still, he suggested that no one need to underestimate the severity of the state of affairs, because the warfare unfolds.
He acknowledged that while it’s understandable for Israel to target Hamas, the group deliberately operates within civilian areas and hides its resources among the civilian population.
