More than 130 legal experts, including 18 king's counsel, have written a letter saying UK sanctions on Israeli settlements 'fall far short' of Britain's obligations under an ICJ finding that the occupation is unlawful, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- More than 130 legal experts, including 18 KCs, signed the letter, according to the Guardian.
- Signatories say sanctions on Israeli settlements 'fall far short' of Britain's obligations.
- Foreign secretary Ed Miliband last week announced an import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements and other measures.
- The letter references the ICJ's finding that the occupation is unlawful.
- Signatories include Michael Mansfield KC, Imran Khan KC and former lord justice of appeal Alan Moses.
More than 130 legal experts, including 18 king’s counsel (KCs), have written a letter saying that the UK’s sanctions on Israeli settlements ‘fall far short’ of Britain’s obligations under international law, according to the Guardian.
The letter argues that international law requires further measures to stop illegal settlements, citing the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) finding that the occupation is unlawful. The signatories say the government’s recent steps are not enough to meet that obligation, the Guardian reported.
Last week, foreign secretary Ed Miliband announced an import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine, along with other measures, the Guardian reported.
The letter’s signatories, who include the leading lawyers Michael Mansfield KC and Imran Khan KC and the former lord justice of appeal Alan Moses, contend that these measures do not go far enough.
The Guardian’s reporting refers to the letter both as an intervention directed to the prime minister and as correspondence sent to Andy Burnham; the source does not clarify this discrepancy.
Why it matters
The intervention places pressure on the UK government from senior legal figures who argue its response to the ICJ ruling is insufficient. It raises questions about whether Britain is fully meeting its international law obligations regarding Israeli settlements.
Frequently asked questions
What did the legal experts say about the UK's sanctions?
They said the sanctions on Israeli settlements 'fall far short' of Britain's obligations under the ICJ's finding that the occupation is unlawful, and that international law requires further measures.
What measures did the UK announce?
Foreign secretary Ed Miliband last week announced an import ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine and other measures, according to the Guardian.
Who signed the letter?
More than 130 legal experts, including 18 KCs. Named signatories include Michael Mansfield KC, Imran Khan KC and former lord justice of appeal Alan Moses.