Two years after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advised that Israel's 1967 occupation of Palestine is unlawful, a group of peers, former ambassadors, and senior lawyers has called on the UK government to take concrete action. In a letter published in response to Pippa Crerar's article on Labour's Gaza stance, the signatories argue that the UK must uphold international law consistently, applying the same standards to Israel as it did to Russia over Ukraine.
ICJ Opinion and UK Stance
The letter, signed by figures including Vincent Fean, former consul-general in Jerusalem, Helena Kennedy KC, and Lord John Kerr, notes that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recognised the state of Palestine alongside Israel and confirmed that the occupation is unlawful. However, they stress that consequences should follow, and the government has yet to publish its formal assessment of the ICJ opinion. “Steps to end the occupation are needed. No state that values the decisions of UN bodies should prolong it,” they write.
Trade and Settlements
The signatories highlight that trade in goods and services with illegal settlements prolongs the occupation, with Israel deriving economic benefit from stolen land. They urge the government to ban settlement trade, including financial services, and apply the same measures taken against Russia to Israel. “Israel should be held to account for ethnic cleansing and worse in Gaza and the West Bank,” the letter states.
Diplomacy and Civilian Protection
Criticising the UN Security Council, including the UK, for outsourcing Gaza to the Board of Peace, the letter says this has prolonged the suffering of 2 million Palestinians. It emphasises a duty to protect civilians, which Israel is failing to do. The signatories call on the government to act with partners to secure unrestricted access for food, medicines, and temporary accommodation, with consequences if access is denied. They note that the October 2025 “ceasefire” has not ended violence, and MPs and international journalists remain barred from Gaza.
Rule of Law and UK Interests
The letter argues that a rules-based international order is in the UK's interest, and that inconsistency undermines the laws that keep the country safe. Quoting Lord Denning, they observe that “the rules of international law … do form part of our English law.” The signatories conclude that foes and friends alike are breaking laws, and the UK government must act decisively.
