Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 78
Insist Israel complies with international humanitarian law, holding them accountable with partners.
Recommendation
It is not within this Committee’s remit to consider International Law but, in every conversation, it was raised with us and the arguments made were compelling that breaches of international law are taking place. The UK Government must insist that Israel complies with its obligations under international humanitarian law. It must work with international partners to hold Israel to account in this.
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it has been clear with Israel that it must uphold international humanitarian law and that it regularly assesses Israel's commitment. It does not, however, commit to new specific actions to 'insist' or 'work with international partners to hold Israel to account' beyond its current approach.
Paragraph Reference:
78
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Partially Agree We were appalled by the barbaric terrorist acts by Hamas against Israel and international citizens on 7 October. IHL binds state and non-state actors participating in an armed conflict. As a party to the conflict, Hamas is obliged to comply with international humanitarian law. Ministers have been clear with Israel that we support its right to self-defence, but that it must uphold international humanitarian law. Too many civilians have been killed. Israel should take care to limit operations to military targets and to minimise harm to civilians and civilian objects. Israel should also ensure effective deconfliction and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities. The FCDO regularly assesses Israel’s capability and commitment to international humanitarian law (IHL) to determine whether there is a ‘clear risk’ that exported items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of IHL. While we have grave concerns around humanitarian access, this is not sufficient to undermine our judgement that Israel is committed to comply with IHL in general.