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Written question asked by Alison Thewliss (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 May 2024 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Friday, 24 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Gaza and Israel: International Law

Question

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the joint statement by international NGOs on humanitarian law in Gaza published by Amnesty International on 15 May 2024.

Answer

We continue to call for International Humanitarian Law to be respected and civilians to be protected.

We have one of the most robust arms export systems in the world, enshrined in law through the Export Control Act, and implemented through our Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. The Foreign Secretary has reviewed the most recent advice about the situation in Gaza and Israel, and his latest assessment leaves our position on export licences unchanged. We will keep the position under review.

Hamas, along with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), are already sanctioned by the UK in their entirety and are subject to an asset freeze and arms embargo. The UK, working closely with the US and other allies, has imposed several new rounds of coordinated sanctions against Hamas since 7 October, to disrupt the terrorist group's financial networks and cut off their access to funding.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26503
Session
2023-24
Subjects
International law Israel Gaza
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk