Calls for Transparency and Action Following Israeli Military Actions in Gaza
Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy has urged foreign secretary David Cameron to release the government’s legal advice on Israel’s actions in Gaza and consider halting UK arms sales to Israel if there is a potential breach of international law.
Lammy’s Statement
In response to the recent killing of British aid workers by the Israeli military, Lammy criticized the government’s silence on the legal advice regarding Israel’s attacks in Gaza. He expressed Labour’s condolences to the families of the aid workers and emphasized the need for Israel to face consequences for their actions.
Recent Events
On Monday night, seven individuals working for charity World Central Kitchen were killed in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes, including three British nationals. The charity has been providing essential aid to civilians in Gaza, which is facing a humanitarian crisis due to widespread destruction of infrastructure.
Legal Implications
Lammy highlighted the importance of assessing whether Israel is complying with international humanitarian law and emphasized that British arms sales should not support violations of such laws. He called for the immediate publication of legal advice and urged action from the government if there is a risk of arms being used unlawfully.
Political Pressure
Various political figures, including senior Conservative MP Alicia Kearns and members of the Scottish National Party, have joined the call to halt arms sales to Israel amid concerns of international law violations. The Liberal Democrats have also demanded the suspension of arms exports to Israel.
International Response
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has engaged with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the situation in Gaza and called for a transparent investigation into the recent events. The UK government has summoned the Israeli ambassador to seek accountability for the deaths of British aid workers.