UK's Role in Gaza War Under Scrutiny as MPs Consider Independent Tribunal

Strategic Insights -

Jeremy Corbyn's bill for an official inquiry into the UK's role in the Gaza war faces significant opposition from the government, leading critics to explore an independent tribunal. The move comes as the UK courts threw out a 20-month legal battle to end indirect sales of F-35 parts to Israel for use in Gaza. Critics argue that a host of issues regarding the UK's involvement in what Corbyn regards as a genocide by the Israel Defense Forces have not been properly addressed in Westminster.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK government is expected to block Jeremy Corbyn's bill for an official inquiry into the country's role in the Gaza war, with government whips set to object in the Commons on Friday.
  • 22 NGOs working on issues in the region, led by Action Aid, are supporting Corbyn's call for an inquiry, citing concerns over the UK's collaboration with Israeli military operations.
  • A possible independent tribunal is being considered if the government blocks the bill, with critics seeking an evidence-based determination of whether the UK's actions upheld international law.
  • The UK courts threw out a 20-month legal battle to force the government to end indirect sales of F-35 parts to Israel for use in Gaza, sparking further debate over the country's involvement.
  • Corbyn's inquiry would investigate issues such as the sale of F-35 parts, the use of Royal Air Force bases, and the UK-Israeli military cooperation agreement.
  • The possible inquiry comes as the UK insists that its flights from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus have been unarmed and solely aimed at helping locate hostages, with at least 538 flights having taken place since October 2023.

Statistics:

  • At least 538 RAF flights have taken place from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus over the eastern Mediterranean, including Gaza, since October 2023.
  • 412 incidents have been examined by the Defence Office in relation to possible breaches of international humanitarian law by the Israel Defence Forces.
  • The UK has subcontracted the examination of these incidents due to the lack of sufficient, verifiable evidence.
  • The UK is said to have sold, supplied, or used weapons, surveillance aircraft, and Royal Air Force bases in collaboration with the Israeli government since October 2023.

Sources:

  • [1] Written answer by Maria Eagle, Defence Minister, on the F-35 global spares pool.
  • [2] Statement by Action Aid and 22 other NGOs supporting Corbyn's call for an official inquiry.
  • [3] Ruling by UK courts in the 20-month legal battle to end indirect sales of F-35 parts to Israel for use in Gaza.
  • [4] Written answers by Hamish Falconer, Middle East Minister, on the UK's involvement in the Gaza war.
  • [5] Statement by the Ministry of Defence on the UK-Israeli military cooperation agreement.