The SNP has written to the UK Minister of Development and Africa,
, challenging his belief
that Israel is capable of assessing its own adherence to
international law.
It follows a debate in the House of Commons on the conflict
between Israel and Hamas, where the Minister said: "We continue
to assess Israel's commitment and capability to comply with
international humanitarian law."
However, the statement contradicts a previous acknowledgement
from the UK government that they had the "inability to come to a
clear assessment on Israel's record of compliance with IHL" which
"poses significant policy risks".
The concerns echo that of countless charities and international
bodies, who have condemned Israel's actions since the October 7th
attack - describing them as "indiscriminate and disproportionate"
breaches of IHL.
Brendan O'Hara MP, the SNP's Foreign Affairs spokesperson, has
warned that letting Israel "mark their own homework" risks
compromising impartiality and raises significant questions about
the credibility of the UK government's assessments.
Commenting, Brendan O'Hara MP said:
"It is quite clear that Israel is not capable of assessing their
own human rights record.
"What the Minister said yesterday not only contradicts a previous
UK government statement, but also disputes the views and opinions
of countless charities and international bodies.
"That is why I have written to the Minister to seek urgent
answers.
"Transparency, accountability and adherence to international law
has never been so important - and must guide our
actions.
"I am urging the Minister to address these concerns promptly, and
provide clarity on the UK government's stance on IHL
compliance."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Brendan O'Hara MP's letter to the Minister of Development and
Africa can be viewed here.
MPs exchange with MP where he states that the
UK government "continue to assess Israel's commitment and
capability to comply with international humanitarian law" can be
viewed here.
'The King (on the application of Al-Haq) v Secretary of State for
Business and Trade - https://www.glanlaw.org/_files/ugd/26e1a5_14f16c2640e24bc99211ee41243e9c45.pdf
'Israeli forces' conduct in Gaza' - https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/03/19/israeli-forces-conduct-gaza
The letter has been endorsed by 'Action for Humanity' - an
international and impartial NGO.
