HAMAS is responsible for putting civilians in the line of fire in Gaza, according to Health Secretary Steve Barclay.
He told GB News: “Israel has to be able to defend itself from these terrorist atrocities and we also need to recognise that there are hostages currently in Gaza that have been taken from Israel and Israel needs to be able to respond to that.
“But it’s Hamas that is putting the civilian population at risk. It’s Hamas that is co-locating its military operations in civilian areas. It’s Hamas that has launched the terrorist attacks on Israel and it’s Hamas that has taken hostages back into Gaza.
“So responsibility sits with the terrorist organisation Hamas for what is happening and it’s right that Israel is able to defend itself from the most appalling attacks that it has faced.”
Asked about providing aid to civilians in Gaza during a discussion during Breakfast with Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello, he said: “The UK has a proud record in terms of its overseas aid.
“We are major donors, 10% of the aid through the United Nations and the Foreign Secretary is in Israel discussing these issues as we stand with them in the face of the catastrophic events that they’ve faced.”
On tensions in the UK, he said: “We have a proud tradition in terms of people’s right to protest within the United Kingdom, but that does not mean putting other communities in fear of or does not mean some of the vandalism or other crimes that we’ve seen, so patrols have been increased.
“The Home Secretary has been in very close contact with Jewish groups, with chief constables to ensure that everything is done to protect those communities…that’s why the Home Secretary has been in close contact with the police to ensure everything is done to put additional protection in place.”
