Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 25 January 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 February 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 8 February 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Gaza: Hospitals

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 19 January (HL11788), whether they consider the reported bombing of a paediatric hospital in Gaza on 26 December 2020 to be part of government of Israel's "legitimate right to self-defence"; if so, how; and what assessment they have made of what constitutes legitimate self-defence for those living in territory occupied by that government.

Answer: We continue to stress the importance of the Israel security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population and to conduct prompt transparent investigations into any claims of IDF misconduct. Officials from the British Embassy in Tel Aviv raised the issue with the IDF on 20 January and will continue to follow the IDF internal investigation. The UK is clear that it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with International Humanitarian Law, and are calibrated to avoid civilian casualties. Any attacks targeted against civilians are unlawful and unjustifiable.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL12564
Session: 2019-21
Related items: Gaza: Hospitals
Tuesday, 19 January 2021
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Bombings Hospitals Israel Gaza
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk