“On 11 October 2023, you told LBC that “Israel does have that right” to cut of power and water from Gaza. Will you now, finally, apologise for this egregious statement?”
Jeremy Corbyn and the Independent Alliance of MPs have written to the Prime Minister regarding the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing to ask if the UK government will comply with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has now issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif.
As we write this, Palestinians are being slaughtered and starved in the streets. Today’s historic decision by the ICC is the first step toward justice, accountability and peace. As a signatory to the ICC, the UK has an obligation to uphold its rulings. Can you confirm whether the government will fulfil this obligation and enforce these arrest warrants?
We want to draw particular attention to the ICC’s findings that both Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant “intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity, from at least 8 October 2023 to 20 May 2024.” On 11 October, you told LBC that “Israel does have that right” to cut of power and water from Gaza. Will you now, finally, apologise for this egregious statement?
The ICC also found “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant bear criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population of Gaza.” There is no ambiguity here: the UK’s continued supply of arms to Israel means the government is aiding and abetting war crimes. When will the government honour its obligations under the Geneva Convention to prevent genocide, and end all arms sales to Israel?
We will continue to demand justice for the victims of war crimes, and challenge the government’s shameful indifference to endless violations of international humanitarian law. You must immediately welcome the ICC’s arrest warrants and lay out how you will assist them in enforcing their order. Amidst the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, that is the bare minimum.
Ultimately, you must decide: are you on the side of Israeli impunity or international law?
Signed,
Adnan Hussain MP
Ayoub Khan MP
Iqbal Mohamed MP
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Shockat Adam MP
Following the ICC's arrest warrants, the Independent Alliance have written to the Prime Minister asking if he will comply with the ruling.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) November 21, 2024
The UK government must decide: is it on the side of Israeli impunity or international law? pic.twitter.com/TRcOs29vx8
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