Foreign Secretary must clarify whether Israel breaking international law – Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in Parliament challenged the Foreign Secretary to make clear whether the government sees the Israeli block of international aid to civilians in Gaza as a breach of international law. Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza since the 2nd of March, as it demands Hamas agree to a US plan for a ceasefire extension. The ceasefire deal halted 15 months of fighting between Hamas and the Israeli military.
Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:
“The language that we use in this conflict matters. We know what has happened and the Foreign Secretary has reminded us today – for weeks the supply of goods and electricity has been blocked.
“To say that Israel, having done that, risks breaking international law is to say that this country – and this is how it will be heard in Israel – does not see these acts as a prima facie breach of international law. Is that really the government’s position?”
Responding for the government, the Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP said:
“The government’s position is based on the law that was set out in our export licensing regime, which the Hon Gentleman supported in the last parliament. The language of that legislation, if he looks at it closely, is that I as minister, on behalf of the government have to make an assessment of clear risk. That is the language that I have used ten times in this House since September. I stand by it and so should he.”
Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:
“The Foreign Secretary is dancing on the head of a pin.
“This goes beyond arms exports or any other single issue – what is at stake is whether or not Israel is breaching international law by blocking aid to civilians. Israel is openly blocking aid to civilians so it is surely a clear breach, whether or not that is convenient to admit for the government.
“Blocking humanitarian aid is a prima facie breach of the Genocide Convention, and the United Kingdom has an explicit obligation under that convention to do what it can to prevent such acts.
“If we believe in the international rule of law then we should not be afraid to stand up for it. That is true with our friends just as much as with our enemies, because letting norms of international law be degraded puts us all at greater risk.”