Over 800 legal professionals from the UK – former Supreme Court justices, King’s Counsel, barristers, solicitors and academics among them – have written an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer arguing that sanctions must be placed on Israel for its military operations in Gaza.
The Guardian
A letter accompanying a 35-page legal memorandum by The Guardian implies that Israel’s conduct in Gaza constitutes war crimes, crimes against humanity and potentially genocide, according to international law. Signatories argue that under such legislation the UK must take all reasonable steps to prevent genocide as well as ensure adherence with humanitarian laws as well as uphold self-determination rights for its population. For more details see Al Jazeera +3, Saba Net +3 or Wikipedia +3.
Key demands outlined in the letter include:
Israel Ministers and Military Personnel suspected of engaging in unlawful activities have been issued financial and immigration sanctions by UK attorneys. With regards to Gaza, this was also decided in UK lawyers’ open letter.
Review and suspension of existing trade agreements with Israel, such as the 2030 Roadmap for closer UK-Israel ties (Financial Times +4 mes Anadolu Ajansi +4). Open letter from UK lawyers regarding Gaza
Confirming UK commitment to executing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court concerning Palestinian territory occupation. Funding the Future Anadolu Ajansi
UK lawyers’ open letter concerning Gaza.
Legal professionals believe the UK’s current measures, such as suspending free trade talks with Israel and sanctioning certain West Bank settlers, fall short of fulfilling its international legal obligations. Instead, they suggest more stringent actions – perhaps suspending Israel from membership of the UN altogether – are needed in order to fulfill them effectively.
Le Monde.fr | AP News | The Guardian.
This appeal comes amid increasing international condemnation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, where over 53,000 Palestinians have been reported killed since October 2023 – most likely civilians. Additionally, an 11-week blockade has only compounded their misery as it has caused food, medicine and fuel shortages that threaten human life (AP News + The Times).
The Times The UK government’s response to the letter remains unknown. Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently described Israel’s blockade of Gaza as both morally wrong and an insult to British values, suggesting a possible shift in stance from Britain.
The legal community’s open letter highlights mounting pressure on the UK government to take decisive action in response to Gaza conflict, especially as international scrutiny intensifies and legal and moral obligations play a central role in ongoing discussion about this crisis.