Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is set to host a two-day tribunal in London to investigate the UK‘s involvement in Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The event, dubbed “The Gaza Tribunal,” aims to bring about justice for the Palestinian people and uncover the truth about the UK government’s actions.
The tribunal follows Corbyn’s failed attempt to establish an official inquiry into the UK’s role in the conflict. Despite backing from dozens of MPs and over 20 aid groups, the bill was blocked by the governing Labour Party.
Corbyn emphasized that the government is trying to protect itself from scrutiny, but he believes the truth will ultimately come to light.
“Just like Iraq, the government is doing everything it can to protect itself from scrutiny. Just like Iraq, it will not succeed in its attempts to suffocate the truth. We will uncover the full scale of British complicity in genocide,” he said.
The Gaza Tribunal will examine Britain’s role in war crimes perpetrated in Gaza, focusing on four key areas:
- Humanitarian Crisis: The scale of human suffering in Gaza, where over 63,746 people have been killed and 161,245 wounded since October 2023.
- UK’s Legal Responsibilities: Britain’s obligations under domestic and international law regarding the conflict.
- UK’s Involvement: The extent of the UK’s participation in Israeli military operations, including the supply of weapons and surveillance aircraft.
- Accountability: Whether the UK has lived up to its legal obligations and responsibilities in the context of the conflict.
Expert Testimonies
The tribunal will feature expert witnesses, including:
- Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory
- Medics and aid workers who have volunteered in Gaza
- Journalists and experts who have reported on the conflict
- Labour MP Richard Burgon and investigative reporter Matt Kennard, who has tracked the UK’s surveillance flights over Gaza
The tribunal comes amid growing public pressure on the UK government to take a tougher stance on Israel.
Recent polls show that the majority of Britons sympathize with Palestinians, and many view Israel’s actions in Gaza as a genocide.
While the UK has sanctioned some Israeli ministers and suspended arms export licenses, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The UK’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a subject of intense debate, with many calling for the government to take a more decisive role in promoting peace and protecting human rights.
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s initiative to host a tribunal examining the UK’s involvement in Israel’s war on Gaza reflects growing concerns about the UK’s complicity in potential war crimes.
The UK government has faced mounting pressure to recognize a Palestinian state, with over 221 MPs signing an open letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take concrete action.
This move comes as public anger grows over Israel’s continued bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has led to a deadly starvation crisis.
Recognizing a Palestinian state is seen as a crucial step towards achieving a two-state solution and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.
The UK’s diplomatic efforts have focused on securing a sustained ceasefire, protecting civilians, and upholding international law.
The government has also provided significant humanitarian aid to Gaza, including £41 million in funding for UNRWA, which provides vital services to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the humanitarian crisis and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In response to the crisis, the UK has suspended some arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law.
The government has also imposed sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers and organizations supporting them, highlighting the need to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable.
Despite these efforts, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
The UK’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region will likely continue to be shaped by its commitment to a two-state solution and its efforts to address the humanitarian crisis.