A long-serving Conservative MP has warned Rishi Sunak and his Cabinet colleagues that they could be prosecuted for ‘aiding and abetting war crimes’, after the UK government pledged its support to Israel during the ongoing conflict with Palestine.
Rishi Sunak warned he could be prosecuted for Israel support
Crispin Blunt, who also serves as a Director for the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), has accused the PM of knowingly supporting Israel in allegedly ‘committing serious breaches of international criminal law’. The politician hasn’t held back in his summary:
“We put the UK Government on notice that we intend to bring legal proceedings against politicians… where there is evidence that they have aided, abetted or in any other way supported, encouraged or provided material assistance in the commission of a war crime.”
“Actions taken by Israel have already been reported as constituting serious breaches of international criminal law. Information the UK Government receives about Israel’s preparatory steps and imminent actions must be viewed in this context.”
“This also includes the UK’s knowledge of Israel’s actions which, despite already being assessed as severely harming civilians and constituting international crimes, continue and with each new step harm further civilians and constitute further war crimes.” | Crispin Blunt
Israel accused of ‘war crimes’ by Tory MP
After Hamas militants stormed into Israel and murdered civilians last weekend, all hell has broke loose on the contested land. A full-scale war has been declared by the Israeli government, and they have begun a campaign of aerial bombardment against the Palestinian state.
However, Israel’s reaction has – in some quarters – been labelled ‘excessive’. The levelling of housing blocks and ‘difficult’ evacuation orders have been picked apart by critics, including Mr. Blunt. The letter also compels Rishi Sunak and senior government figures to take the following steps:
- Issue a public statement condemning Israeli breaches of international law.
- Ask each Government official that has encouraged war crimes in Gaza to rescind their statements in public.
- Insist Israel complies unequivocally with international law.
- Immediately act to safeguard civilians in Gaza.
- Call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
- Calls for an immediate end to the siege to allow the secure the access of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Pro-Palestine group vows to take evidence to Scotland Yard
The conflict continues to rage on, with hundreds confirmed dead following a military operation in Gaza overnight. The ICJP has, at least, extended an olive branch to Rishi Sunak, and they are open to discussions with the Prime Minister.
However, should their offer be rebuffed, the group is prepared a long and arduous round of litigation:
“ICJP will welcome any dialogue with the Prime Minister to help alert him to the legal peril his apparent unqualified support to the policy of the Government of Israel placed him and his fellow ministers, and we invite the earliest response from the Attorney General.”
“We have passed a copy of this letter to Scotland Yard’s War Crimes Unit who have requested evidence in relation to terrorism and war crimes in the region. We will continue to assist with gathering evidence in relation to the contents of this letter.” | ICJP