Hundreds of Lawyers and Judges Call for U.K. Sanctions on Israel

What Happened?

More than 800 lawyers have called on the U.K. government to use 'all available means' to stop the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

The 828 U.K.-based qualified legal experts filed an open letter of concern that warned 'genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza' from Israel's increased military offensive.

'All States, including the U.K., are legally obliged to take all reasonable steps within their power to prevent and punish genocide; to ensure respect for international humanitarian law; and to bring to an end violations of jus cogens norms of international law,' the letter stated. 'The U.K.’s actions to date have failed to meet those standards.'

They welcomed U.K. Prime Minster Keir Starmer’s joint statement last week with the leaders of France and Canada, which warned of preparations to take 'concrete actions' against Israel.

But the legal experts also urged the British government to act quickly without delay to avert the destruction of the people of Gaza.

These measures the lawyers have pushed for include the available means to secure an unconditional, permanent ceasefire, ensure the unconditional resumption of aid in Gaza at full scale, review trade ties with Israel, and impose sanctions and travel bans on Israeli ministers.

The letter, signed by senior legal figures, including former Supreme Court judges, accuses Israel of serious violations that go against international humanitarian law.

Why it Matters

This comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believed last week that Israel killed the leader of Hamas during operations in Gaza.

⁠'We eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists,' Netanyahu stated during a press conference.

According to reports, Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar was targeted by a massive set of Israeli strikes on a hospital in Khan Younis.

Palestinian officials said that recent Israeli strikes have killed at least 52 people as of Monday, including roughly 36 who were sleeping in a school-turned-shelter.

Israeli forces press forward with their new military plans against Hamas despite growing calls from world leaders for a ceasefire.

Netanyahu has stated that the entire Gaza Strip will be under Israeli security control by the end of the war.

He has recently suggested that Israel is open to a temporary ceasefire and a hostage release deal.

As Netanyahu faces more pressure to allow aid into the enclave, U.K. officials have accused Israel of using hunger as a 'weapon of war.'

The United Nations stated that the 'dozens' of trucks entering the strip were far less than 600 per day, which entered during the latest ceasefire.

How it Affects You

The United Kingdom announced trade negotiation pauses with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers, and summoned the Israeli ambassador due to Israel’s intensified operation in the West Bank.

Israeli strikes have killed more than 500 people in recent weeks, according to medics in Gaza, as death tolls continue to rise.

Netanyahu’s plan for total control of Gaza puts over 2 million people at risk of permanent displacement.

Scenes of hunger are draining vital Israeli support as they closely approach a 'red line' that global leaders warned of ethnic cleansing.

President Donald Trump faces a tough challenge following his recent Middle Eastern tour.

Israel may reportedly prepare to bomb an Iran nuclear facility, which could undermine key U.S. negotiated talks with Iran.

While Trump reportedly cautioned Netanyahu during a phone call last week, it will be key to see if vital support from the U.S. shifts.

It could mark a major step in holding Israel more accountable for its actions in the Middle East.