The Israeli military escalation that besieged the Gazati population every day has penetrated British public opinion. In the judicial field, almost a thousand British lawyers have written a letter to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, to demand that he take “concrete actions” against the Israeli government. In the brief, 828 legal personalities such as lawyers, academics and former judges of the Supreme To Hebrew or military ministers Before what they consider a “genocide.”
The signatories state that the situation in Gaza, “at least, runs the risk of becoming” an extermination of the Palestinian people. Through the brief they ensure that the limited humanitarian aid that the Benjamín Netanyahu government allows to enter the strip after 11 weeks of block remains “severely insufficient to deal with the humanitarian catastrophe that is taking place. “
Lawyers demand “immediate actions”
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The lawyers remember that in recent weeks the Israeli government has openly expressed its intention to “take total control of the entire territory of the strip”, in addition to “conquering, cleaning and staying until Hamas is destroyed.” In this sense, the group of lawyers and magistrates denounces that the Netanyahu government is committing War and humanity crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The letter states that the actions of Israel “violate international law” from their response to the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023 and demands that Starmer take “as soon as possible”, the necessary actions against the Israeli government.
First, they demand that “immediately and permanently” A high fire in Gaza and that Netanyahu allows the Urgent and unbridled resumption “of humanitarian aid. Reference is also referred to Israeli isolation to international organizations and request the prohibition lifting imposed by Israel to the United Nations Public Works and Socorro Agency in “the entire occupied Palestinian territory.”
On Israeli ministers, “reasonably suspicious of committing illegal actions,” the signatories demand financial and immigration sanctions. As for the Hebrew country, they demand Check existing commercial tiessuspend the 2030 route map for a narrower association between the United Kingdom and Israel, and impose sanctions on Israeli trade.
Retired Judges of the Supreme, among the signatories
Of the 828 signatories of the writing, two British personalities that have had a lot of influence During his judicial career. Jonathan Sumption He was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court in 2011 and acted as one of the more critical voices with the Boris Johnson government during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The brightest mind in the United Kingdom”, as some English media describe, stands out for being a Figure that does not fear to use their opinionseven when it belonged to the Supreme Court.
The ‘Brexit’ showed the social fracture that still exists in Northern Ireland
Summation has always expressed his opinions in the conferences he has taught, as the forums of excellence, and that have been collected in subsequent works. Took position when the United Kingdom approved the Brexit and the distancing with the European Union and He was against the idea of creating a customs barrier within the United Kingdomin relation to the idea of Boris Johnson’s government to commercially isolate Ireland from the rest of the country.
Another of the signatories who worked in the British Supreme Nicholas Wilson. With more than 27 years of career in the field of family law, the exjuez has participated in “many important judgments”, as explained by the current president of the Supreme Court, Robert Reed, and has made “notable sentences on fiscal, labor and contractual law”, in addition to applying “important sentences in matters of constitutional and administrative law.”
Starmer unchecks Israel before the military escalation in Gaza
As military operations aggravate in the Gaza Strip, the Diplomatic relations between London and Tel Aviv move away increasingly. Last week, the Government decided to suspend trade negotiations with Israel for a new bilateral commercial agreement. From the Middle East, Israel moved token and the spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, Oren Marmorstein, responded to the United Kingdom, qualifying the suspension as a “Antiisraeli obsession” And he attributed it to “internal political considerations.”
Before Starmer’s victory in the 2024 elections, his predecessor, conservative Rishi Sunak, exercised a Policy near Israel and was harshly criticized by the opposition, even by former members of the Conservative Party. However, with the election of the Labor Party, the British foreign policy with respect to the United Kingdom took a 180 -degree turn.
In its first year at the head of the country, Starmer has suspended 30 weapons sales contracts With Israel, he has advocated not presenting any objection before the order of the International Criminal Court of capturing Netanyahu y has restored funds of the United Nations Agency that serves the Palestinian population (UNRWA).
Now, in addition to the suspension of commercial relations, British lawyers demand greater actions from their leader. Lawyers claim “concrete measures” before the violation of international law throughout the Palestinian territory occupied by denying Palestine their right to self -determination and “illegally” annexation territories acquired by force.
*Alejandro Picó is a student of the UAH International Reporterism Master with the RTVE Institute. This article has been supervised by the editor Chief of International, Paloma de Salas.
UK Lawyers Demand Action Against Israel: An Expert Weighs In
Keywords: UK Lawyers, Israel, Gaza, International Law, Keir Starmer, Humanitarian Aid
Time.news Editor: Welcome, readers. Today, we’re discussing a significant advancement in the UK’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: a letter signed by nearly a thousand British lawyers urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take concrete actions against the Israeli government. To help us unpack this, we have Dr. Evelyn Reed, an expert in international law adn human rights. Dr. Reed, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Evelyn Reed: It’s my pleasure.
Time.news Editor: Dr.Reed, this letter is quite unusual in its scale and demands. What’s your initial reaction?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: My reaction is one of understanding and perhaps even a degree of overdue recognition. The sheer number of legal professionals signing this letter speaks volumes about the level of concern within the UK legal community regarding the situation in Gaza and the perceived violations of international law. The demand for “concrete actions” signifies a dissatisfaction with what is seen as insufficient action thus far.
Time.news Editor: The lawyers specifically cite concerns that the situation in Gaza “at least, runs the risk of becoming” an extermination of the Palestinian peopel. That’s a very serious accusation.How significant is this wording within the context of international law?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: It’s a very strong statement and a legal threshold that requires careful consideration. Using the term “risks becoming” is a way of acknowledging potential future developments that could constitute the crime of genocide. It’s a calculated phrase meant to highlight the gravity of the situation and the potential for the commission of international crimes, potentially engaging the UK’s responsibility to prevent such occurrences. The letter serves as a public alert, highlighting the urgent need to take preventative measures.
Time.news Editor: The letter demands a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid. It also requests sanctions against individuals and commercial ties with Israel. Are these realistic and effective measures?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: A ceasefire is undeniably the most immediate and pressing need. Unimpeded humanitarian aid is also critical to alleviating the suffering on the ground. Regarding sanctions,they are undoubtedly powerful tools,but their effectiveness depends on several factors,including the scope of the sanctions,international cooperation,and the specific context. Financial and immigration sanctions against individuals reasonably suspected of committing illegal actions are typically targeted and can send a strong message of accountability.Reviewing and potentially suspending commercial ties is a more drastic measure, but it demonstrates a serious commitment to upholding international law. The existing suspension of trade negotiations between the UK and Israel signals movement in this direction.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions that the UK has already suspended trade negotiations with Israel and that Prime Minister Starmer has reversed some policies from his predecessor. What impact will these changes have on the broader UK-Israel relationship?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: The suspension of trade negotiations, coupled with the other policy reversals mentioned, clearly indicates a cooling of relations between the UK and Israel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry’s reaction, calling it an “anti-Israeli obsession,” suggests that this shift in UK policy is being felt in Tel Aviv. While a complete breakdown in relations is unlikely, these changes send a strong signal regarding the UK’s concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza and its commitment to international law. Starmer’s actions can be regarded as a foreign policy recalibration in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the overwhelming concerns about potential violations of international law.
Time.news Editor: Two retired Supreme Court judges signed the letter. What does this reveal about the legal community’s stance on the conflict?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: the involvement of such highly respected figures as Jonathan Sumption and Nicholas Wilson lends significant weight to the letter. Supreme Court judges aren’t typically vocal on political issues, so their participation suggests a profound concern about the situation and a belief that the UK government must act. Their involvement also increases the likelihood that the letter will be taken seriously by policymakers and the public.
Time.news Editor: How can readers better understand the complexities of international law and its request to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Dr.Evelyn Reed: That’s an excellent question. first, familiarizing yourself with core concepts like the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and the concept of universal jurisdiction is a good start. Second, follow reputable sources of details and seek out diverse perspectives. Third, consider the role of international courts and tribunals and the mechanisms for holding individuals and states accountable for violations of international law. remember that international law is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay informed about current events and debates.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Reed, thank you for your insights on this vital issue.
Dr. Evelyn Reed: thank you for having me.
[End of Interview]
