The National Jewish Assembly condemns the biased comments made by Fabian Hamilton MP, the Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament, regarding the recent incidents of violence in Judea and Samaria. Hamilton exclusively condemned Israeli settler violence without condemning the ongoing wave of Palestinian terrorism, including the incident that led to the settlers’ retaliatory vigilantism.
In a statement made on 26 February, Hamilton said, “following the awful murder of two Israelis, a violent mob of 400 settlers attacked the Palestinian town of Hawara, killing one, injuring hundreds, and burning buildings and cars. This shocking incident is part of the deteriorating situation in the Occupied West Bank, and the wider problem of settler violence. The UK Government must press the Israeli government to ensure justice for victims of settler violence.”
While the NJA is among the first to condemn all forms of vigilante violence, Hamilton’s statement was heavily skewed against the Israeli side. Namely, he gave scant mention to the key contextual information that led to the vigilantism – a Palestinian terrorist had shot dead two innocent Israelis (Hillel Yaniv, 22, and Yagel Yaniv, 20).
Hamilton’s comments also fail to note the broader, ongoing wave of Palestinian terrorism that continues to claim the lives of innocent Israeli civilians through multiple shootings, stabbings, and car-rammings.
Furthermore, Hamilton completely ignored the fact that Palestinian factions incentivise, aid, and abet Palestinian terrorism against innocent Israelis. Hamas regularly calls on its supporters to target Israeli civilians, and the Palestinian Authority administers the so-called “Pay-to-Slay” program offering pensions for “martyrs” and their families if harmed or killed while trying to murder Israelis.
It is unacceptable for Hamilton to ignore the root cause of the violence and place all blame on the Israeli settlers. Hamilton’s comments only serve to further incite hatred and division and do nothing to promote peace in the region. As a Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament, he should strive to be impartial and call for an end to all forms of violence in the region – rather than expediently condemning one side.
The NJA calls on Hamilton to update his statement to include critical context and balance.
For further inquiries, please contact Heath Sloane – NJA Press and Marketing Manager (heath@nja.org.uk)
