The British government has ruled that Israel's war in Gaza does not amount to genocide, The Times reported on Monday. The judgment was explained in a letter from David Lammy during his tenure as foreign secretary.
Before this shift, London had maintained the stance that only courts could decide genocide cases, not governments, The Times wrote.
In his letter to Sarah Champion, chair of the International Development Committee, Lammy revealed that the Foreign Office had reviewed the matter and determined Israel's conduct did not constitute genocide, according to The Times.
That letter, submitted ahead of Lammy's cabinet move, stated "As per the Genocide Convention, the crime of genocide occurs only where there is specific 'intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group'. The government has not concluded that Israel is acting with that intent."
It marked the first direct confirmation by Britain that developments in Gaza are not considered genocide, The Times noted.
Back in May, Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, said "It is the UK government's long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent court, not for governments or non-judicial bodies," The Times recalled.
Lammy himself had stressed last year "This government is not an international court. We have not — and could not — arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law."
His exchange with Champion followed her challenge over how Britain's ongoing export of F-35 aircraft parts to Israel aligned with its international duty to prevent genocide, The Times reported.
The deliberation comes at a delicate diplomatic moment as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to recognize a Palestinian state later this month unless Israel complies with conditions. He hosted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in London on Monday and is set to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday, The Times stated.
Strains escalated further on Monday after a terrorist shooting in Jerusalem killed six, the city's deadliest attack in years, The Times said.
Responding to Champion, Lammy – who is now deputy prime minister and justice secretary – said the government had "carefully considered" genocide claims. He insisted that though Israel's actions were not genocide, they were "utterly appalling" given the civilian losses and damage. He added "Israel must do much more to prevent and alleviate the suffering that this conflict is causing."
He also explained that the Foreign Office had carried out several reviews of the genocide issue, including when allowing F-35 parts to be exempted from suspended arms export licenses to Israel, The Times reported.
