UK Foreign Office: Israel not committing genocide in Gaza
Letter written by David Lammy last week stopped short of concluding Gaza war constitutes genocide
David Lammy has said an assessment carried out by the Foreign Office has concluded Israel’s actions in Gaza did not constitute “genocide.”
The former Foreign Secretary wrote to the chair of the International Development Committee last week when he was still in the post.
He said:”“As per the Genocide Convention, the crime of genocide occurs only where there is specific ‘intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group’. The government has not concluded that Israel is acting with that intent.”
Committee chair Sarah Champion had written to Lammy repeating claims that the UK’s policy of continuing to supply parts for F-35 fighter jets that have indirectly been sent to Israel was aiding genocide in Gaza.
The Times reports that Lammy said the government had “carefully considered” the question of genocide.
While it could not conclude Israel was guilty of this, he described the war in Gaza as “utterly appalling” and added far too many women and children had been killed.
On Monday evening Keir Starmer met with President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas at Downing Street.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister welcomed the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas to Downing Street this evening.
“They discussed the intolerable situation in Gaza, and the Prime Minister reiterated the need for an urgent solution to end the horrific suffering and famine – starting with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a huge surge in humanitarian aid.
“The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s ongoing work with its partners on a long-term solution, which both leaders agreed is the only way to bring about enduring peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis.
“The Prime Minister welcomed the President’s commitment to reform of the Palestinian Authority as a vital part of this work.
“The President welcomed the Prime Minister’s pledge to recognising a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting later this month, unless Israel changes its course. They both agreed there will be absolutely no role for Hamas in the future governance of Palestine.”
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