**UK Lawyers Call on Government to Take Action Against Israel’s Gaza Offensive**
Hundreds of lawyers in the UK are urging their government to use “all means available” to stop the fighting in Gaza, including reviewing trade ties with Israel and imposing travel bans and sanctions on Israeli ministers.
A letter signed by 828 UK-based legal experts, including former Supreme Court justices, was sent to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (not Keir Starmer) on Monday. The lawyers warned that “genocide” was being committed in Gaza due to Israel’s blockade of food and aid, as well as its new offensive which has killed hundreds in the last fortnight.
The Israeli government has denied allegations of genocide, which are being investigated by the International Court of Justice. However, the UK’s Foreign Minister David Lammy has described the escalation as “morally unjustifiable”. The UK has already suspended trade talks with Israel and imposed new sanctions on West Bank settlements.
**Concerns Over Trade Relations and Sanctions**
The lawyers’ letter is part of a growing wave of criticism from Western allies against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Britain, France, and Canada recently released a joint press release condemning Israel’s “egregious expansion” of military operations in Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, has accused British leaders of siding with Hamas. However, the UK government has maintained that it is committed to a two-state solution and has called for an immediate ceasefire.
The lawyers are also calling on the UK to review its existing trade relations with Israel and impose sanctions on the country. They argue that the UK must adhere to its obligations as a member state of the International Criminal Court, including acting on arrest warrants issued by the court against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes committed in Gaza and violations of international law.
**International Pressure Grows**
The international community is increasingly speaking out against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Germany and Finland have both urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza immediately, while Sweden has summoned its ambassador to the foreign ministry and demanded safe access to Gaza.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the events in Gaza as “in no way acceptable” and called for pressure on Israel to allow aid to reach its intended target. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo echoed this sentiment, saying that it was a “terrible catastrophe for humanity”.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with at least 54,056 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
**What’s Next?**
As the international pressure grows, it remains to be seen what action the UK government will take. The lawyers’ letter is a clear call for stronger action against Israel’s actions in Gaza, and it seems unlikely that the government will ignore this demand entirely.
However, as we’ve seen before, international diplomacy can be complex and nuanced. It may take more than just letters from lawyers to bring about significant change in this situation.
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