Palestine International Humanitarian Law 2026-01-20

2026-01-20

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Ian Lavery Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Context
Following the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion ruling that Israeli occupation and settlements are illegal, and the UN General Assembly giving Israel a 12-month deadline to end its unlawful presence which has since expired.
In July 2024, the ICJ ruled that the Israeli occupation and settlements were illegal and must be ended and dismantled. Then, in September 2024, the UN General Assembly gave Israel a 12-month deadline to end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which has now lapsed by more than four months. Why have the Government still not published their response to the ICJ advisory opinion? Is there something that we do not know, but perhaps should?
In that period, the UK has made a range of significant determinations in relation to our policy in the middle east. Of course, we continue to consider the Court’s advisory opinion on Israel’s occupation carefully. There is lots in that advisory opinion with which we agree, and which is, indeed, already Government policy. We agree that settlements are illegal, and we have already taken strong action against them. Since this Government came into office, we have introduced three packages of sanctions related to violence against communities in the west bank, and we continue to keep these matters under review.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request for a published response was not directly addressed; instead, general actions taken by the government were mentioned without providing concrete details on why no official response has been issued.
Under Review Already Government Policy
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Iqbal Mohamed Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Context
Since a recent ceasefire came into effect, over 450 Palestinians have been killed by Israel. UNICEF reports that over 100 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since October.
Since the recent ceasefire came into effect, over 450 Palestinians have been killed by Israel. UNICEF reports that over 100 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since 10 October. Israeli airstrikes are ongoing, and the mental and physical torture and violence continue unabated. What action will the UK Government take to force Israel to comply with international law and allow essential humanitarian aid into Gaza, and make the ceasefire a real one?
I know how deeply so many of our constituents and, indeed, Members of this House feel about these issues, and how often they raise them. We will continue to take action in the way that the Foreign Secretary set out this morning. It is vital that the ceasefire holds, and that we make progress in the three areas set out already, and that is the priority for Ministers.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner's specific ask was not directly addressed; instead, general commitments to continue taking action were stated without providing concrete steps or timelines.
Under Review Keeping Matters Under Consideration
Response accuracy