UK lawmakers urge new PM to act on Gaza genocide

A group of UK lawmakers has sent a letter to the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, demanding immediate action against what they describe as Israel's genocide in Gaza. The letter references a report published last month that concluded Israel was deliberately targeting children in the conflict. The lawmakers also call on Starmer to heed an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2024, which found that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is unlawful. The ICJ stated that Israel must withdraw from Palestinian territory immediately, dismantle all settlements, compensate affected Palestinians, and facilitate the return of displaced people. The court also said that all states should stop aiding or assisting the Israeli regime's occupation.

The lawmakers are demanding a full arms embargo on the Israeli regime, sanctions, and a ban on trade that supports Israeli settlements. Peter Leary, deputy director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, welcomed the letter, saying, "For far too long the British government has wilfully ignored its responsibilities under the Genocide Convention and the findings of the International Court of Justice while actively supporting Israel's atrocities against the Palestinian people."

The letter was reported by Al Jazeera and other outlets. According to Mehr News, the lawmakers' demands reflect growing pressure on the UK government to take a stronger stance against Israel's actions in Gaza.