We welcome the UK government’s decision to drop its intervention with the International Criminal Court (ICC) questioning its jurisdiction in issuing arrest warrants against senior Israeli leaders.
H.E. Ambassador Husam Zomlot said: “This is a significant step in aligning the UK with the rule of law, international system and toward finally holding Israel to account after many decades of impunity.
“The only way to secure a just and lasting peace in our region is through unwavering commitment to the equal implementation of international law, international resolutions and International Humanitarian Law.”
Combined with the decision to reinstate funding for UNRWA, the British government has in a short time taken two necessary and positive steps towards aligning UK policy with its international legal and humanitarian commitments, facilitating a path towards a peaceful resolution.
There is still a long way to go. In the short-term we must remain focused on bringing about an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza in order to end the genocide against the Palestinian people, begin to deliver the huge amounts of humanitarian assistance that is so desperately needed and prepare for what will be a years-long reconstruction project to make Gaza liveable again.
Ambassador Zomlot added: “We look forward to working with the UK government going forward to end arms sales to Israel, sanction the illegal colonial settlements, recognise the State of Palestine and secure the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights to return and self-determination in an independent sovereign state of Palestine.”
