To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will take steps to support the case brought against Israel at the international court of justice by the Republic of South Africa.
This answer is the replacement for a previous holding answer.
Answered on
16 January 2024
This development is unhelpful and we do not support it. We recognise that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. We do not believe that calling this genocide is the right approach. It is wrong to say that Israeli leadership, and Israel as a country, have the intention to commit genocide. Ultimately, it is for courts to decide on matters of genocide, not for states. We of course respect the role and independence of the International Court of Justice.