Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Humanitarian Law: Israel-Palestine Conflict

Thursday 9 May 2024 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Debbie Abrahams asked about recent discussions on international humanitarian law in the Israel-Palestine conflict, to which the Attorney General responded without disclosing specifics due to the Law Officers' convention.
  • Mary Glindon inquired if the Attorney General would call on Israel to comply with the ICJ's ruling, to which the response affirmed the Government's respect for the ICJ and their call for the release of hostages and aid access in Gaza.
  • Emily Thornberry questioned the Attorney General about condemning actions of Republican senators, to which the response noted the ICC's statement and welcomed active engagement by Governments.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on compliance with international humanitarian law in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues on compliance were not disclosed due to convention rules.

How: Law Officers' Convention

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

Will the Attorney General take the opportunity today to call on Israel to take the steps ordered by the Court?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct public statement urging Israel was provided.

How: Government'S Position On Aid

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Foreign Affairs
Context

The ICJ ruling declared a 'plausible right' to be protected from genocide. Concerns about a potential genocide taking place.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific recognition of risks or breaches of international law.

How: Export Licence Position

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury
Context

US senators threatened sanctions against the International Criminal Court, which undermines its independence.

Question

Will the Attorney General join me in condemning those Republican senators for their outrageous actions?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct condemnation of US senators' actions.

How: Welcome Active Engagement

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Foreign Affairs
Context

FCDO lawyers admitted the inability to assess Israel's record on international humanitarian law poses policy risks.

Question

What is the Attorney General's assessment of that submission?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific assessment provided due to convention rules.

How: Cannot Disclose Legal Advice

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email