Lawyers urge Israel to respect international law despite ‘outrageous conduct of enemy’
Eight eminent Jewish lawyers - including Lord Neuberger and Philippe Sands KC - sign letter published by the FT condemning Hamas but remind Israel of 'international law obligations'
Eight eminent Jewish lawyers have signed a letter condemning the “despicable actions” of the terror group Hamas, while also urging Israel to remember its obligations under international law as it pursues military action in Gaza.
The signatories of the letter, which had been published by the Financial Times, included Lord David Neuberger, a former president of the UK’s Supreme Court, and Philippe Sands KC, with all saying they were speaking out as both Jews and as lawyers.
It was stressed that while the “vile crimes perpetrated by Hamas in Israel have shaken us to our core”, the laws of war “apply irrespective of the level of outrageous conduct of an enemy”.
Danny Friedman KC said of his decision to sign the letter: “As a Jew it is uncomfortable for me to sign up to aspects of this statement, but as a lawyer it is not. I have often thought about whether it is better to keep the two things separate.
“Some of my colleagues and friends would disagree with me for choosing otherwise, but
what is contained in this statement is a crucial part of modern Jewish history and values, and so in
these terrible times, I think it is important for Jewish lawyers to express their position in this way.”
The letter noted:”“In these early days when emotions are so understandably raw, many might be reluctant to remind Israel of its international law obligations, considering to do so insensitive or inappropriate.
“However, we disagree. In these times of pain and terror the notion that there are laws that we must
all live by is challenging but essential. Jewish history teaches us that we cannot give up on them.”
The statement also noted that Gaza was home to 2million people, almost half of whom are children, and continued:“It would be a grave violation of international law to hold them under siege and whilst doing so deprive them of basic necessities such as food and water.”
The lawyers said that “collective punishment is prohibited by the laws of war”.
Other signatories included Professor Sandra Fredman, Richard Hermer KC, Anthony Metzer KC, Jon Turner KC and the barrister Adam Wagner.
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