International law strictly prohibits the targeting of civilians,43 the use of indiscriminate weapons,44 murder,45 mutilation,46 and hostage taking.47 As stated by the UN Secretary General, “Nothing can justify the deliberate killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians – or the launching of rockets against civilian targets”.48 As Palestine is a State Party to the Rome Statute of the International. [...] An analysis of the competing theories regarding the legal regime applicable to the conflict in Gaza is beyond the scope of this letter, which highlights the breaches of humanitarian law and criminal law applicable in international armed conflicts, non-international armed conflicts and military occupations, in relation to which there is in any event considerable overlap. [...] The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – entrusted by the international community with the role of “guardian” and “watchdog” of international humanitarian law63 – has stated in terms that: ‘[t]he instructions issued by the Israeli authorities for the population of Gaza City to immediately leave their homes, coupled with the complete siege explicitly denying them food, water, and elect. [...] The sheer scale of the loss of life and injury in Gaza, particularly to women and children, together with the widespread damage to civilian objects and infrastructure appear to indicate clear breaches of those principles and rules,71 and violations of international law. [...] As a State party to the Genocide Convention, the UK Government is also required to act to prevent genocide where there is a risk of genocide occurring.86 Pursuant to those obligations, we call upon the UK Government urgently to exert its influence to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the West Bank, and to ensure the urgent and adequate provision of food, fuel, medicine and other humanitarian assistan.
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