Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion

Tuesday 30 July 2024 · 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

  • UK received and is considering the ICJ's advisory opinion on Israeli actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
  • UK opposes the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and settler violence in the West Bank.
  • UK is reviewing sanctions against individuals and groups related to settler activities in the West Bank.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Foreign Affairs
Context

The ICJ published an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from Israel's policies and practices in occupied Palestinian territories. This raised questions about UK policy compliance.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential implications for UK policies of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Israeli actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem?

Answer from Hamish Falconer

We have received the advisory opinion and are considering it carefully. The UK respects the independence of the ICJ but acknowledges that the finding is complex, spanning 90 pages with varying views from judges. We will update the House when we have more to say.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments on next steps or sanctions against Israel

How: Sanctions Will Remain Under Review

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Q2 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Foreign Affairs
Context

The ICJ's opinion clarified the unlawfulness of Israel's occupation and annexation. The recent expansion of illegal settlements has raised concerns.

Question

What steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to ensure that Israel ends its unlawful occupation, including settlement expansions on the west bank and annexation of East Jerusalem?

Answer from Hamish Falconer

The UK opposes the expansion of illegal settlements and settler violence. The Foreign Secretary raised these issues with Israeli authorities during his visit to the region within a week of taking office. We already have sanctions against eight people and two groups related to settlers in the west bank, and we will consider further action.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or new actions beyond existing sanctions

How: We Will Look At All Options

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Q3 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Foreign Affairs
Context

The ICJ concluded that Israel's occupation of Gaza, the west bank, and East Jerusalem is illegal, as well as its settlement policy.

Question

Does the Government accept the ICJ's view that the occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal? If so, what actions will be taken to ensure appropriate sanctions are imposed against Israel?

Answer from Hamish Falconer

The judgment is complex and requires careful consideration. We will update the House when we have more to say. Sanctions remain under review as previously mentioned.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete actions or timeline for sanctions implementation

How: Sanctions Will Remain Under Review

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