Downing Street: Legal judgements on genocide can only be made by courts

Downing Street has reiterated that the UK government’s position remains that rulings on any alleged genocide in Gaza can only be made by the courts.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said that Israel’s actions in Gaza were causing an “unbearable humanitarian catastrophe” but “as for legal judgments, we’ve always said that any formal determination is up to international courts”.

The No.10 spokesperson had been quizzed by Westminster journalists about a UN commission of inquiry which concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and accused senior Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu,of inciting it.

The UK had earlier condemned Israel over the latest military offensive in Gaza.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the military action was “reckless and appalling” as Israel began a ground assault on Gaza City.

Residents still in Gaza City were warned to leave and head south as the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) advanced.

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz said “Gaza is burning” after heavy strikes overnight targeted the city before the ground assault.

Cooper said on X: “The new IDF assault on Gaza is utterly reckless and appalling.

“It will only bring more bloodshed, kill more innocent civilians & endanger the remaining hostages.

“We need an immediate ceasefire, all hostages released, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and a path to lasting peace.”

Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said: “This action must be stopped. The expansion of military operations will only take away hope for the hostages and promise yet more misery for Gazans who have suffered so much.”

The latest military action came as a team of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel condemned the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

The panel’s chairwoman, Navi Pillay said: “It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.

“The responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons who have orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years now with the specific intent to destroy the Palestinian group in Gaza.”