Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and International Law

Tuesday 12 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kerry McCarthy asked about recent discussions with the Israeli counterpart regarding Israel's obligations under international law.
  • The minister responded that Israel must abide by international law and protect civilians while defending itself against terror.
  • Wayne David inquired if Britain would cooperate fully with the ICC prosecutor in relation to Israel.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from discussions on Israel's adherence to international law, particularly in relation to its actions in the West Bank and Gaza.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with his Israeli counterpart on Israel's obligations under international law? We know that it has acted with impunity in the west bank with illegal settlements. What does it mean when we say that Israel has to abide by international law?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Israel has the right to defend itself against terror, restore its security and bring the hostages home, but it must abide by international law and take all possible measures to protect civilians. It means precisely what it says. The fact that Israel is a democracy and the fact that all around the world people will be looking carefully at how things are being conducted in the region should give hope that international humanitarian law counts and will be supported.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific concrete steps or commitments regarding compliance with international law

How: It Means Precisely What It Says

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from discussions on Israel's adherence to international law, particularly in relation to its actions in the West Bank and Gaza.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with his Israeli counterpart on Israel's obligations under international law? We know that it has acted with impunity in the west bank with illegal settlements. What does it mean when we say that Israel has to abide by international law?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

It means precisely what it says. The fact that Israel is a democracy and the fact that all around the world people will be looking carefully at how things are being conducted in the region should give hope that international humanitarian law counts and will be supported.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific concrete steps or commitments regarding compliance with international law

How: It Means Precisely What It Says

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Q3 Wayne David Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from discussions on Israel's adherence to international law, particularly in relation to its actions in the West Bank and Gaza. The ICC prosecutor visited Israel and expressed concerns over compliance with international humanitarian law.

Question

Recently the International Criminal Court prosecutor visited Israel and stated that a law is not some cosmetic adornment but a fundamental requirement for compliance. Will he ensure that Britain cooperates fully with the prosecutor in his work?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

As a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, Britain will always co-operate. We strongly support the ICC. The hon. Gentleman will know that, as a state party to the Geneva convention, the Israeli Government are obliged to take action against Israeli nationals accused of grave breaches of international humanitarian law, were there to be any, so that would not be a matter for the ICC.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific cooperation with the ICC prosecutor's work but stated general support for the ICC and obligations under Geneva Convention

How: As A Strong Supporter Of The International Criminal Court, Britain Will Always Co-Operate

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