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Armed Conflict: International Law

Question for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

UIN HL1499, tabled on 10 January 2024

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how the war in Gaza might affect respect for international humanitarian law in other conflicts.

Answered on

26 January 2024

We recognise that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in accordance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). As the Foreign Secretary has outlined, we assess that Israel has the capability and commitment to comply with IHL, but we are also deeply concerned about the impact on the civilian population in Gaza. We want to see Israel take greater care to limit its operations to military targets and avoid harming civilians and destroying homes.