Gaza: Israel
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will review the level of Israeli compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of the war in Gaza; and if he will suspend the provision of training to Israeli Defence Force personnel in the UK during the conduct of this review.
Answered by Al Carns
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the lead Government Department for assessing international partners’ compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works closely with the FCDO to ensure we are consistent with their approach.
The MOD’s provision of training to foreign armed forces is assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis and seeks to ensure any training provided by the UK is in accordance with IHL. All training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy and compliance with international humanitarian law.
Given the Government of Israel’s decision to escalate its offensive in Gaza City, the MOD decided to pause future Israeli participation on UK training and education courses.
We are keeping this decision under review and are mindful of the potential prospects for a ceasefire and long-term resolution to the conflict.
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