Israel: Compliance with International Law

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – in the House of Commons at on 30 July 2024.

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Photo of Tracy Gilbert Tracy Gilbert Labour, Edinburgh North and Leith

What his planned timescale is for completing his review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law.

Photo of David Lammy David Lammy Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

As soon as I came into office, I commissioned new advice on Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of war in Gaza. We are obliged to look at that advice under criterion 2C for items exported. That is an ongoing process. I pledge to update the House as soon as I can on this very serious matter.

Photo of Tracy Gilbert Tracy Gilbert Labour, Edinburgh North and Leith

I welcome the Government’s changing approach to the devastating conflict in Gaza and the fact that the review was ordered soon after the Foreign Secretary’s appointment. Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that, if the review were to conclude that Israel was breaching international law, all actions including halting arms sales would be considered as part of the Government’s proportional response?

Photo of David Lammy David Lammy Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Criterion 2C of our strategic export licensing criteria is a clear risk of breach of international humanitarian law. Careful assessments have to be made. There is a then a legal process to enable us to reach a conclusion. Of course, with all sobriety and integrity, I intend to do that and I will update the House as soon as I can.