Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Acknowledged
Press for contemporaneous evidence gathering for future investigations into international law compliance.
Recommendation
And the UK Government must press for evidence to be gathered contemporaneously so that thorough investigations about compliance with international law on both sides can take place after the fighting stops. (Paragraph 80) 22 Humanitarian situation in Gaza
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, reiterating its stance that all parties must uphold international humanitarian law (IHL) and that it regularly assesses Israel's commitment. However, it does not specifically commit to pressing for contemporaneous evidence gathering for future investigations.
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.