Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hamas and Israel: Breaches of International Law

Thursday 7 December 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government consistently urges adherence to international humanitarian law in relation to Hamas and Israel.
  • ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has stated that his investigation includes recent escalations of hostilities.
  • UK supports the ICC and its prosecutor but surveillance flights over Gaza are primarily for hostage situations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Foreign Affairs
Context

The International Criminal Court has been investigating potential breaches of international law in Palestine since March 2021. The questioner is concerned about the violence and atrocities committed by both Hamas and Israeli forces.

Question

I am concerned about the brutality and sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli civilians by the terrorists of Hamas, and the scale of indiscriminate bombing targeting tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. How will the UK Government advocate for an end to the killing to ensure the International Criminal Court can gather detailed evidence from both sides?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

The Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, and the whole of the UK Government have consistently urged that international humanitarian law must be followed. The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has stated that his investigation extends to the recent escalation of hostilities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific actions taken by the UK Government to end killings for evidence gathering was not directly addressed.

How: Urged Adherence To International Humanitarian Law

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Justice & Courts Foreign Affairs
Context

The International Criminal Court is investigating potential war crimes in Palestine. The questioner seeks clarity on UK Government's actions regarding evidence gathering under international law.

Question

Given the brutality and sexual violence against Israeli civilians by Hamas, and indiscriminate bombing affecting Palestinians in Gaza, how does the Attorney General urge the government to advocate for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow the International Criminal Court to collect comprehensive evidence from all parties?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and whole government have consistently urged adherence to international humanitarian law. The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has noted his investigation extends to recent escalations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific advocacy measures were detailed for ending hostilities.

How: Urged Adherence To International Humanitarian Law

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Justice & Courts Foreign Affairs
Context

The International Criminal Court is investigating potential breaches of international law in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. The questioner seeks clarity on UK's willingness to comply with ICC requests for evidence.

Question

Article 86 of the Rome statute requires state parties to cooperate fully with the ICC in its investigations and prosecutions. Given that the UK referred Russia to the ICC, will it provide footage from reconnaissance flights over Gaza if requested by the ICC? If not, what legal basis would underlie such refusal?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

The UK supports the ICC and its prosecutor Karim Khan. Surveillance flights operate in the region primarily to help with hostage situations. We urge all parties to abide by international humanitarian law.

Not addressed: Specific compliance with ICC requests for footage was not addressed, instead focusing on hostage situation and urging adherence to humanitarian law.

How: Surveillance Flights For Hostages, Urging Adherence To Humanitarian Law

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email