International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion

Afzal Khan (Manchester Rusholme) (Lab) and Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Ind) asked the Government about its response to the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, published on 19 July 2024. In response, Hamish Falconer, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, stated that the Government must uphold both its domestic and international legal obligations. He acknowledged that the UK respects the independence of the ICJ and is carefully considering the advisory opinion before responding. Falconer reiterated the Government's opposition to the violence from settlers on the West Bank and indicated that they are reviewing all options for tougher action on issues related to the West Bank. Afzal Khan welcomed the Government's bold leadership in dropping the previous administration's opposition to the arrest warrant against Netanyahu and asked what steps the Foreign Secretary is taking to ensure that Israel ends its unlawful occupation, including the expansion of settlements and the annexation of East Jerusalem. Falconer acknowledged Khan's deep concern on these matters and stated that the Foreign Secretary has raised these issues with the Israeli authorities, reiterating the Government's strong opposition to the expansion of illegal settlements and rising settler violence. Jeremy Corbyn then sought clarification on whether the Government accepts the ICJ's view that the occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem is illegal, and what actions the Government will take to ensure that appropriate sanctions are imposed on Israel, including ending arms supplies, to ensure that the judgment is carried out and the people of Palestine can live in peace, not under occupation. Falconer acknowledged the complexity of the ICJ's 90-page judgment and stated that the Government will update the House once it has fully responded to the opinion, while noting that sanctions will remain under review.