UK Foreign Minister David Cameron voiced concerns on Tuesday regarding the possibility that Israel may have violated international law in its operations in Gaza. While addressing a question-and-answer session with lawmakers, Cameron acknowledged that the current advice suggests Israel is compliant with international law, but he admitted there are serious questions that need addressing.
Cameron’s comments come amid a complex situation where Britain has supported Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas attacks. However, the UK has also urged the Israeli military to exercise restraint and adhere to international law during its offensive in Gaza, which has caused significant destruction in the Palestinian territory.
Responding to inquiries about Israel potentially facing challenges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague regarding the proportionality of its actions, Cameron indicated that this was a close possibility. He did not directly confirm whether he had received legal advice on Israel’s potential breach of international law but mentioned that certain incidents had indeed raised concerns about possible violations.
Cameron expressed his worry regarding specific actions by Israel, such as bombings, which might breach international law. He elaborated that each incident raises a “question mark” regarding legality, which legal experts would need to examine and advise on. He summarized the current advice as acknowledging Israel’s commitment and capability to comply with international law, but he also noted that this compliance is frequently questioned.
The situation in Gaza has attracted international attention, particularly due to the substantial Palestinian casualties and the escalating humanitarian crisis. Echoing this concern, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli leaders to take further steps to minimize harm to non-combatants and safeguard civilian infrastructure.
