Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel: Compliance with International Law

Tuesday 30 July 2024 · 2 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

  • Tracy Gilbert inquired about the planned timescale for completing the review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law.
  • The Foreign Secretary confirmed that a new review was commissioned upon their appointment and is an ongoing process.
  • The Foreign Secretary pledged to update the House as soon as possible regarding the findings of the review.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tracy Gilbert Lab Edinburgh North and Leith
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where there are concerns about Israel's adherence to international humanitarian laws.

Question

What is his planned timescale for completing his review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law?

Answer from David Lammy

As soon as I came into office, I commissioned new advice on Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of war in Gaza. We are obliged to look at that advice under criterion 2C for items exported. That is an ongoing process. I pledge to update the House as soon as I can on this very serious matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline was provided for when the review will be completed and announced.

How: That Is An Ongoing Process

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Tracy Gilbert Lab Edinburgh North and Leith
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question follows the initial review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian laws, specifically asking about potential actions if a breach is found.

Question

I welcome the Government's changing approach to the devastating conflict in Gaza and the fact that the review was ordered soon after the Foreign Secretary's appointment. Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that, if the review were to conclude that Israel was breaching international law, all actions including halting arms sales would be considered as part of the Government's proportional response?

Answer from David Lammy

Criterion 2C of our strategic export licensing criteria is a clear risk of breach of international humanitarian law. Careful assessments have to be made. There is a then a legal process to enable us to reach a conclusion. Of course, with all sobriety and integrity, I intend to do that and I will update the House as soon as I can.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment was given regarding whether halting arms sales would be considered if a breach is found.

How: Careful Assessments Have To Be Made, There Is A Then A Legal Process To Enable Us To Reach A Conclusion

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email