Tory MP Crispin Blunt has cautioned that the UK might become entangled in alleged war crimes in Gaza, potentially leading to legal consequences if it does not take more action to “restrain” Israel. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), of which Mr. Blunt is a co-director, has declared its intention to prosecute UK government officials for allegedly “aiding and abetting war crimes in Gaza” in response to Israel’s evacuation warning for 1.2 million residents in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Mr. Blunt emphasised the importance of understanding the legal risks involved, stating that “everyone must act to restrain people” if they are aware of impending war crimes. He argued that being aware of a party’s intent to commit a war crime, such as the forcible transfer of people, implicates those who fail to act. The Foreign Office maintained that Israel has a “right to defend itself” but should also prioritise the protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian aid.
While Israel continues to bombard densely populated areas in Gaza, concerns grow over civilian casualties, with reports indicating significant Palestinian casualties, including children. The situation has prompted Israel to prepare for a ground offensive following a violent attack by Hamas. Gaza’s residents are also grappling with limited access to goods, electricity, and restricted movement, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Mr. Blunt stressed the need for the UK to support UN calls for a ceasefire and the lifting of the total blockade. He underscored the dangers of allowing one atrocity to be met with another and called for an end to Israel’s historical exceptionalism under international law.
Tory MP Crispin Blunt warns that 'any politician egging Israel on' is complicit in war crimes pic.twitter.com/bw0YHCGtQE
— j (@jrc1921) October 14, 2023
The UK’s stance on supporting Israel has drawn criticism, with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, accusing the UK government of giving Israel a “carte blanche” to act without regard for international law. Daniel Levy, a former Israeli negotiator, expressed concerns about Britain’s approach, arguing that it should also emphasise respecting international law when asserting Israel’s right to defend itself.
The Foreign Office defended its position, stating that Israel suffered a “shockingly brutal terrorist attack” and that Israel’s President Herzog has committed to operating in accordance with international law, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid. This is, of course, utter rubbish and merely reflects the language used prior to the war in Iraq.
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