UK ‘complicit’ in Gaza war crimes and breaches of international law, Corbyn-led tribunal says

UK ‘complicit’ in Gaza war crimes and breaches of international law, Corbyn-led tribunal says

A tribunal chaired by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has accused the UK government of being complicit in crimes committed by Israel in Gaza and in the wider erosion of international law.

The unofficial body, co-chaired by Corbyn alongside two specialists in international law, concluded that Britain failed to meet its obligation to help prevent what it described as a potential genocide in Gaza.

The tribunal’s findings, due to be published on Monday, argue that the UK government did not take sufficient action to restrain Israel’s military campaign in Gaza or to uphold international legal standards.

According to the panel, the UK has legal responsibilities under international law not only to avoid direct involvement in unlawful acts but also to take reasonable steps to prevent grave violations where there is a clear risk they may occur.

The report is likely to have political repercussions ahead of the local elections scheduled for May. The governing Labour Party is expected to face pressure from rival parties and campaign groups over its stance on Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In particular, the party faces challenges from the Green Party of England and Wales and the newly formed Your Party, both of which have sought to capitalise on public frustration among some voters who believe the government has not done enough to support the Palestinian cause.

The tribunal itself does not have legal authority, but its findings are expected to be cited by activists, campaigners and political opponents during the election campaign.

Corbyn and other members of the panel said their aim was to assess whether the UK had complied with its international obligations during the conflict and to examine the broader implications for the rule of international law.