ALBAWABA - The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), one of the UK's most prestigious military schools, will no longer accept Israeli officers, according to the British government. The decision, which has to do with Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, means that Israelis will not be allowed to attend the college for the first time since it opened in 1927.
A representative from the UK Ministry of Defence told The Telegraph that British military schools have always welcomed students from "a wide range of countries." They also stressed that all courses stress following international humanitarian law. He did say, though, that Israel's decision to step up its campaign in Gaza was a "mistake" and that a diplomatic solution was needed, including an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, and more humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Israel strongly criticized the move. Major General Amir Baram, the head of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, said it was a betrayal by an ally during the war. He called the choice "discriminatory" in a letter to the British Ministry of Defence and said that London had broken its tradition of tolerance.
What it means for diplomacy
The UK's unprecedented move shows that more and more Europeans are worried about how Israel is acting in Gaza. It also suggests that defense and diplomatic ties could change. Analysts say that this choice could hurt Israel's reputation around the world, especially with its Western allies.
The war in Gaza goes on.
Since October 2023, Israel has been waging an unending war in Gaza with the help of the U.S. Palestinians and international observers call this genocide. There have been widespread killings, starvation, mass displacement, and destruction during the attack, even though the International Court of Justice has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and made it clear that it must happen.
Gaza's Ministry of Health says that the war has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians and hurt 164,000. Under Israel's blockade, 422 people, including 145 children, have died from hunger.
