“No more time to waste” in determining Gaza genocide – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today warned the government that waiting for a formal court declaration of genocide in Gaza would not meet the UK’s obligations to prevent genocide under international law. 

A UN-backed assessment this week has stated that Gaza’s population of around 2.1 million is at "critical risk" of famine and faces "extreme levels of food insecurity" as an Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid continues. Some 244,000 people were currently experiencing the most severe, or "catastrophic" levels of food insecurity.

Israel renewed its military operations in Gaza in mid-March and has prevented food, medication and other aid from entering Gaza for 70 days.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“Does the Minister accept that, where prima facie evidence of genocide exists, awaiting for the determination to be made formally by a court is not sufficient for us to meet the duty to prevent under the genocide convention?”

Responding for the government, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer MP said:

“In this case, the International Court of Justice is clearly the correct authority. It has issued a set of provisional measures, which we support.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“I can understand the government seeking a strong legal basis in a contentious situation but there has to be a point where action must be taken. 2.1 million people are under siege and essentially being slowly starved – Israel’s actions surely constitute a prima facie breach of the Genocide Convention. There is a point where waiting for that clear fact to be made formal is to accept thousands of innocent people – perhaps tens of thousands or more – dying in the meantime. There really is no more time to waste.”