International Humanitarian Law Israel-Palestine Conflict 2024-05-09

2024-05-09

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Debbie Abrahams Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Context
The International Court of Justice issued an interim ruling on the Gaza conflict, setting out steps for Israel to take. The Netanyahu Government has not complied with this ruling.
What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on compliance with international humanitarian law in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict?
As all Members know, the Law Officers' convention means that I cannot disclose outside Government whether or not I have provided advice, or the specifics of such advice, but it is no secret that we continue to call for international humanitarian law to be respected and for civilians to be protected.
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues on compliance were not disclosed due to convention rules.
Law Officers' Convention
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Mary Glindon Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Context
The International Court of Justice issued an interim ruling on the Gaza conflict, setting out steps for Israel to take. The Netanyahu Government has not complied with this ruling.
Will the Attorney General take the opportunity today to call on Israel to take the steps ordered by the Court?
This Government firmly respect the role and the independence of the ICJ. Its ruling, or order, called for the immediate release of the hostages and referred to the need to get more aid into Gaza, and that is exactly what the Government are also calling for.
Assessment & feedback
No direct public statement urging Israel was provided.
Government'S Position On Aid
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Debbie Abrahams Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Context
The ICJ ruling declared a 'plausible right' to be protected from genocide. Concerns about a potential genocide taking place.
Can the Attorney General tell me, and my constituents—exactly when the Government will come out and recognise both international law and the risks that we take in breaching it?
This Government believe very firmly in international law. On 9 April, the Foreign Secretary announced that our position on export licences was unchanged. We publish data on our export licensing decisions transparently and on a quarterly basis.
Assessment & feedback
No specific recognition of risks or breaches of international law.
Export Licence Position
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Emily Thornberry Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Context
US senators threatened sanctions against the International Criminal Court, which undermines its independence.
Will the Attorney General join me in condemning those Republican senators for their outrageous actions?
I thought that the ICC's statement was worthy of note, and I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for bringing it to the House's attention. In his statement, the independent prosecutor was also keen to point out that he welcomed active engagement by Governments and other parties on the work in which he is clearly engaged around the world to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected and war crimes are not committed.
Assessment & feedback
No direct condemnation of US senators' actions.
Welcome Active Engagement
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Brendan O'Hara SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Context
FCDO lawyers admitted the inability to assess Israel's record on international humanitarian law poses policy risks.
What is the Attorney General's assessment of that submission?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, I cannot give my specific legal advice. I cannot share that with the House—it is for the Government alone—but I can say that the Foreign Secretary has reviewed the most recent advice from the IHL cell. That has informed his decision that there is not a clear risk that the items exported from the UK might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of IHL.
Assessment & feedback
No specific assessment provided due to convention rules.
Cannot Disclose Legal Advice
Response accuracy