The UK must impose sanctions on the Israeli government and its ministers and take steps to “prevent and punish genocide” in Gaza, according to a letter signed by more than 800 lawyers, academics and former judges.
An open letter to Prime Minister Kiel on Monday called on the British government to take concrete action to stop the “serious violation of international law” committed by Israel.
“Genocide is being carried out in Gaza, or at least there is a serious risk of genocide occurring,” the letter said, adding that war crimes, crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law have occurred.
He prioritized the response promptly, saying, “urgent and decisive action is needed to avoid the destruction of the Palestinian people.” The letter cited a recent comment by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotric. Bezarel Smotrich has expressed Israel’s intention to “control all the territory of the Gaza Strip until Hamas is destroyed.”
Signed by senior laws, including former Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges, the letter welcomed the government’s readiness to take action, pointing out a statement from British, French and Canadian leaders that Gaza’s suffering was “unbearable.”
The letter was called to the British government in compliance with its basic international legal obligations, “using all available measures to ensure an immediate, unconditional, permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the resumption of emergency, unconditional, unconditional, unconditional, uncontrolled aid.”
To achieve this, it called on the government to impose sanctions on Israeli government ministers and other civil and military figures of “reasonable suspicion of involvement in illegal activities,” review existing trade relations with Israel, impose trade sanctions, and suspend the roadmap for the UK-Israel partnership.
The UK suspended negotiations for a new trade agreement with Israel last week.
“A merciless violation of international law”
The letter also called on the UK to confirm its compliance with its obligation to execute arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The ICC has issued a warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Joab Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, but the country faces genocide cases at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for war crimes against civilians.
(Source: Al Jazeera)