Occupied Palestinian Territories Genocide Risk Assessment 2026-02-05

Critiques the UK's inaction regarding genocide risks in Gaza. Cites specific statements from past Foreign Secretaries acknowledging famine and war crimes but failing to act accordingly. Argues that the government's acknowledgment of severe conditions should trigger preventive action under international law.

Mr Prinsley agreed on the need to assess the risk of genocide but argued against definitively labeling Israel's actions as such, citing the importance of avoiding undermining the term 'genocide' due to its specific legal definition. He acknowledged massive loss of life in Gaza and urged for independent verification through journalists.

Mr Leadbitter described the events in Gaza as a preventable catastrophe and detailed specific acts under Article II of the genocide convention, including killings, serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberate destruction of life-sustaining conditions. He cited Amnesty International’s findings on systematic destruction of infrastructure and accused Israeli leaders of intent to destroy Palestinians.

Mr McDonald highlighted the legal obligation under international law for third states like the UK to prevent genocide when a serious risk becomes evident. He cited the ICJ’s ruling on provisional measures against Israel and questioned why the UK had failed to acknowledge the risk despite evidence from the UN commission of inquiry.

Mr Malthouse expressed shame at the Government's reluctance to participate in the international rules-based order and emphasised their failure to act on numerous fronts, including arms sales, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic cover. He criticised the UK’s lack of response regarding torture conventions and individual cases of atrocities.

We have seen UK recognition of Palestine become a reality under Labour, but still 70,000 Palestinians have been killed. The civilian/combatant line is blurred given the deaths of women and children. The very risk of genocide raises Britain’s obligations to prevent it. Gazan hospitals, schools, churches, mosques, universities and refugee camps have been destroyed. We must ramp up our support for real peace efforts and a toughened sanctions package against Israel.

20,000 children have been killed, 95% of hospitals destroyed, food blocked to the point of famine. The House of Commons—and indeed the world—cannot stand by and let that happen.

1,700 aid and health workers killed. Medical professionals imprisoned. 400 Palestinians have been killed during ceasefire. The targeting of civilian infrastructure has caused maximum suffering for the civilian population. Urges Government to take proactive steps to secure release of Palestinian medical professionals and guarantee safety of journalists.

The International Court of Justice ruled there is a ‘real and imminent risk’ of genocide in Gaza. A strong case for banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements on the west bank. The UK should consider moving from differentiation to prohibition under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.

Israel took every attempt to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza. Hamas would disagree with claims of genocide as they boasted that killing civilians would help increase resistance and put some fire into it. Accusations against Israel should look at the record of Hamas on putting civilians in harm’s way.

Corbyn highlighted the International Court of Justice's conclusion on a credible genocide case and introduced a ten-minute Bill for an investigation into arms sales to Israel, which was blocked. He spoke about the independent Gaza tribunal evidence showing doctors struggling with inadequate supplies and Mark Smith’s testimony revealing Government complicity in protecting profits over international law.

Ribeiro-Addy emphasised the genocide of Palestinians, with more than 70,000 killed since Israeli attacks began in 2023. She criticised ongoing arms exports to Israel despite a legal obligation under international law to prevent genocide and aid violations.

Logan criticised the UK Government's inaction on Gaza, noting the UN’s findings of genocide. He questioned why the UK accepts UN reports on Ukraine but not Gaza, and raised concerns over unblocking arms licences despite ongoing ceasefire violations.

Constituent Amelia Rule works with the Norwegian Refugee Council in Gaza. The charity was banned from operating there due to Israeli Government restrictions, attempting to circumvent international accountability. Urges the UK and international community to exert influence to push for NGO licences to be restored.

Revocation of NGO licences suggests efforts to prevent aid from reaching Gaza, implying a risk of genocide. The UN's Genocide Convention requires states to 'prevent and punish' genocide, with clear acts defined that are occurring in Gaza.

Argues the UK has legal obligations under the Genocide Convention to prevent genocide when a serious risk is identified. Cites multiple organisations and experts confirming genocide or significant risk thereof, calling for action from the Government.

Describes long-term genocide in Palestine enabled by international community silence. Discusses cultural and economic genocides, with universities destroyed and Palestinians impoverished through trade restrictions. Urges recognition of UK complicity.

Stresses the need for action based on plausible risk of genocide as identified by ICJ, UN and experts, urging immediate measures like ceasing arms exports to Israel. Acknowledges UK complicity in enabling systematic violations of international law.

Questions the evidence required to convince the Government that there is a risk of genocide, and asks what process should be used to determine this risk.

Mr Adam highlighted the violation of international law, emphasising that at least 71,000 Palestinians have been murdered and over 300 journalists killed. He criticised the Government for failing to recognise the genocide and called for an independent commission to review evidence.

Ms Eshalomi addressed the scale of death and destruction, noting that one in 33 people in Gaza has been killed. She emphasised the legal obligation to call out genocide as a signatory to the genocide convention.

Mr George criticised the Netanyahu regime's response, emphasising that indiscriminate strikes amount to clear murder and called for more decisive action from the Government.

Dr Pinkerton stated that there is credible evidence that Israel's actions in Gaza during the military campaign amounted to genocide, alongside global NGOs, aid organisations, and the UN commission of inquiry.

Welcomed the release of hostages held by Hamas. Stressed that Israel’s actions do not constitute genocide, unlike Hamas's deliberate targeting of civilians. Called for the dismantling of Hamas and prioritising a future without terrorism in Gaza.

Confirmed that Britain has conducted an assessment on the risk of genocide according to its international legal obligations. Reiterated that genocidal intent must be rigorously assessed and not misused politically. Emphasised the importance of the ICJ's work.

Asked why the Government had not responded to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice for over 18 months, suggesting it may involve sanctions against settlements. Criticised the Government's stance on adherence to international law.

Asked the Minister to condemn reports that the IDF has destroyed a cemetery in Gaza containing graves of allied troops from both world wars. The Minister confirmed condemnation and highlighted defacement of British soldiers' graves.