A coalition of over 800 UK legal professionals has issued an open letter demanding that the British government take urgent and concrete action to address alleged war crimes in Gaza and uphold its obligations under international law. The call comes amid growing concerns of a potential genocide in Gaza following Israel’s latest military operations and ongoing blockade.
The open letter, signed by lawyers, judges, and legal academics, was addressed to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. It accuses Israel of serious breaches of international law, including what the authors call “a serious risk of genocide” in Gaza. The letter highlights the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding under Israel’s 11-week blockade, which is restricting food, medicine, and other essential aid.
Israeli Actions Under Scrutiny
The signatories criticized Israel’s recent military offensive in Gaza and a new May war strategy that they claim is aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinian residents. The letter also condemns plans for expanded settlement activity in the West Bank, arguing that these moves constitute further violations of Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Forced displacement is strictly prohibited under the Geneva Conventions.
UK’s Diplomatic Position Questioned
The legal professionals referenced the UK’s joint statement with France and Canada, published on May 19, which condemned the humanitarian toll in Gaza and rejected any attempt at permanent displacement or settlement expansion. While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, the UK has expressed growing unease with the scale and objectives of recent Israeli military actions.
Call for Immediate Government Measures
The letter urges the UK government to take the following steps:
• Enforce an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
• Guarantee unrestricted humanitarian aid access
• Lift Israel’s ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
• Impose targeted sanctions on Israel
• Reassess UK-Israel trade relations
• Support the implementation of International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants related to the conflict
This public intervention by the UK’s legal community reflects mounting pressure on the British government to uphold international humanitarian law. As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, calls for accountability and decisive action are intensifying across legal, political, and civil society sectors.
