Extensive reply received from the UK Government Home Office

I've not even read it yet, but here it is...

Extensive reply received from the UK Government Home Office

I've not even read it yet, but here it is...

Our ref: TO2025/13409

aaronpaulagainstgenocide@gmail.com 9 July 2025

Dear Adrian 'Aaron' Paul,

Thank you for your correspondence about Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). The Parliamentary Correspondence Team in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been asked to reply. We have set out in this letter the UK’s policy response to a range of linked issues and hope you will find this information helpful in understanding how the FCDO is seeking to influence positively the situation in the OPTs.

Despite the glimmer of hope from January’s ceasefire, its collapse has only deepened the suffering in this ongoing conflict. Over 50,000 men, women and children have been killed in Gaza and more than 90% of the population have been displaced, many repeatedly.

The Foreign Secretary addressed the House of Commons on 20 May 2025 on the situation in Israel and the OPTs where he stated that we are now entering a dark new phase in this conflict. He added that Netanyahu’s government were planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need.

The UK Government strongly opposes the expansion of Israel’s military operations and believes that there is no military solution to this conflict. UK Ministers have said that Israel’s plan is morally indefensible, grossly disproportionate, and ultimately counterproductive. Despite claims by Israeli ministers, this approach will not bring the hostages home, as nearly all have been freed through negotiation, not force.

Israel’s newly introduced measures for humanitarian aid are endangering civilians and deepening the desperation in Gaza. These measures are not only inhumane -they are deadly, with Palestinians being killed or injured while trying to access basic aid. No one should risk their life just to feed themselves or their families, especially after enduring almost two years of relentless conflict.

The UK urgently calls on the Israeli government to lift all restrictions on humanitarian assistance. Immediate action is needed to allow the UN and aid organizations to operate

freely and deliver essential supplies food, water, and medicine safely to those in need, wherever they are. The UK remains committed to supporting the UN and trusted non- governmental partners, who continue to be the most effective and principled channels for delivering life-saving aid.

The Prime Minister issued a joint statement with his French and Canadian counterparts on 19 May 2025, stating that the Israeli government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. The UK also led a further statement with 26 other partners, criticising Israel’s proposed new aid delivery mechanism and defending the essential humanitarian principles of the international system that the UK did so much to establish in the first place.

The Foreign Secretary announced the resumption of UK funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on 19 July 2024. UNRWA is the only agency that can deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid at the scale needed. The UN has taken seriously the appalling allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October 2023 attack against Israel. Following the independent review by Catherine Colonna and the subsequent action plan UNRWA has provided setting out detailed management reforms, the Government is confident that UNRWA is taking action to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality. The decision to resume funding brings the UK into line with partners such as Germany, the EU, Sweden, Japan, France, and other donors.

The UK remains opposed to the Knesset legislation which came into force on 30 January 2025 and unequivocally rejects any attempts to undermine or degrade UNRWA. The UK is concerned to see the closure of UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem, including schools, and disruption of services in the West Bank, and calls on Israel to work urgently with international partners, including the UN, so there is no disruption to this vital work. The UK has joined with allies in expressing these concerns and urging Israel to ensure UNRWA can continue its life saving work.

The UK opposes the proposed NGO (non-governmental organisation) taxation bill which threatens to undermine the ability of NGOs to operate effectively and continue their important work in Israel and the OPTs. The UK continues to raise these concerns with the Israeli government.

The UK is doing all it can to alleviate the suffering and increase the flow of aid. On 28 April 2025, the Government announced a comprehensive support package for the OPTs, including £101 million for humanitarian aid, support for Palestinian economic development,

Last financial year, the UK announced £129 million in aid for the OPTs and to Palestinian refugees across the region to ensure healthcare, food and shelter reached tens of thousands of civilians and to support vital infrastructure across the OPTs. UK support has meant over half a million people have received essential healthcare, 647,000 have received food, and 284,000 people have improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

The Government is deeply concerned by reports of medics being killed or injured. Gaza is the deadliest place on earth for humanitarians with last year being the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel. Nearly all of Gaza’s hospitals are damaged or partly destroyed according to the World Health Organisation. The UK reiterates its outrage at recent strikes by Israeli forces on humanitarian personnel, infrastructure, premises, and healthcare facilities. The UK calls on the government of Israel to abide by its obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to ensure full, rapid, safe, and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza.

A year on from the appalling attack on World Central Kitchen aid workers, lessons have not been learned. Recent attacks on aid workers, which include the attack on a United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) guest house on 19 March 2025, and the killing of at least eight Palestinian Red Crescent medics on 23 March 2025, are appalling.

It is the UK’s position that Israel must do much more to protect the civilian population, infrastructure, and humanitarian workers. This includes restoring deconfliction systems, allowing humanitarian workers free movement within Gaza, and preventing harm to medical personnel and facilities during their military operations.

Journalists covering conflicts are afforded protection under IHL because they are civilians, and all parties must avoid deliberate attacks against them and only detain them on justified grounds. The UK remains committed to Media Freedom and to championing democracy and human rights around the world. Independent media is essential to a functioning society and journalists must be able to investigate and report independently without fear. Alongside our partners, the UK co-signed a Media Freedom Coalition statement on 10 September 2024, relating to journalists in conflict zones. It called upon states to ensure the protection of journalists and media workers covering conflict.

Furthermore, media equipment and installations dedicated to civilian purposes are civilian objects and must not be the target of attacks or reprisals, unless they qualify as military objectives.

The UK’s position is unequivocal: settlements are illegal under international law, undermine prospects for peace, and pose a serious threat to the viability of a two-state solution. Alarmingly, settlement approvals are now being reviewed on a near-weekly basis, with construction accelerating rapidly alongside a sharp rise in settler violence. The UK strongly condemns any comments proposing the annexation of land in Gaza or the West Bank, as well as the inciteful remarks made by prominent Israeli Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. The UK will challenge those who undermine a two-state solution, press for a change in course and continue to act against those carrying out heinous abuses of human rights.

Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from tariff and trade preferences under the UK's current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Israel. The Government supports the accurate labelling of settlement goods, to ensure consumers are not misled. UK guidance to British businesses is routinely updated on the Overseas Business Risk website. The Government advises businesses to consider its stance on the illegality of settlements under international law when making investments and conducting activities in the region.

The UK is also concerned by the Israel Defence Forces' (IDF) ongoing military operation in the occupied West Bank. While the Government recognises Israel’s right to defend itself against security threats, it is gravely concerned by the methods the IDF has employed, including the disproportionate use of force, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the mounting civilian death toll.

The Government continues to urge Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, comply fully with international law, and act against those who seek to inflame tensions.

If the military personnel of any country violate the laws of armed conflict, the UK Government would expect that State to investigate their conduct and hold them to account. British nationals who have committed crimes abroad may also be prosecuted before UK courts. An investigation would be required and any prosecution in England and Wales would be a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service, who will determine whether there is sufficient evidence available to mount a prosecution and whether such a prosecution is in the public interest and will require the consent of the Attorney General.

The UK has already introduced sanctions on extremist individuals and entities responsible for perpetrating and supporting acts of violence carried out against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

On 10 June 2025, Minister Falconer, the FCDO Minister responsible for the Middle East, announced the UK’s imposition of sanctions on prominent Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for their role in inciting settler violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank - violence that has led to the death of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of whole towns and villages. That violence constitutes an abuse of Palestinians’ human rights. It is cruel, it is degrading, and it is completely unacceptable. The Government has told the Israeli government repeatedly that it would take tougher action if this did not stop. It still did not stop: the appalling rhetoric has continued unchecked; and violent perpetrators continue to act with impunity and encouragement. The UK acted alongside Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, all of whom announced their own measures on 10 June 2025.

On 20 May 2025, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions targeting three individuals, including prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, as well as two illegal outposts and two organisations that have supported, incited, and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. These individuals and entities are now subject to measures including financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications, and will follow 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned relating to serious violence against communities in the West Bank. The Foreign Secretary also announced sanctions on 15 October 2024, targeting three illegal settler outposts and four organisations that have supported and sponsored violence against communities in the West Bank.

These sanctions demonstrate the UK Government’s determination to deter and provide accountability for this violence. As the Foreign Secretary has said: “The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions. Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.”

The Government continues to keep these issues under review but the culture of impunity for those engaged in violence is intolerable. It would not be appropriate to speculate about future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

The safety of British nationals is the Government’s utmost priority. In support of the ongoing hostage rescue activity, the UK Ministry of Defence conducted surveillance flights over the eastern Mediterranean, including operating in airspace over Israel and Gaza.

Surveillance aircraft were unarmed, had no combat role, and were tasked solely with locating hostages.

The UK Government controls what information is shared with Israeli authorities, and only intelligence directly relating to hostage rescue operations is provided to the appropriate authority responsible for such efforts.

In response to the situation in Israel and Gaza, the Government is working with international partners to de-escalate the conflict, reinforce stability, and support humanitarian efforts in the region. The Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) have been central to the UK’s humanitarian and hostage rescue efforts over the last year, and in supporting regional stability and conflict de-escalation. All use of the SBAs, by the UK and its allies, is in line with IHL and with the UK’s humanitarian objectives. No RAF flights have transported lethal cargo to the Israel Defence Forces.

For operational security reasons and as a matter of policy, the Ministry of Defence does not offer comment or information relating to any foreign nations' military aircraft movements or operations. All flights by foreign military-registered aircraft and civil aircraft operating under Government status are required to apply to the Ministry of Defence for Diplomatic Flight Clearance whenever they wish to use a UK air base. The basis on which a foreign partner may or may not be granted permission to utilise UK air bases is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity and reflects the UK's international legal obligations.

The UK is not participating in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, nor the actions of Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

This Israeli government’s egregious actions and rhetoric are isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world and undermining the interests of the Israeli people. Their actions are incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship and have made it necessary to announce on 20 May 2025, the suspension of negotiations on a new free trade agreement, and the Government will be reviewing co-operation with them under the 2030 bilateral road map.

The UK is unwavering in its commitment to the security and future of the Israeli people, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism. However, the conduct of the conflict in Gaza is damaging our relationship with their government.

The UK Government have been clear that it will uphold both its domestic and international legal obligations when it comes to arms exports. The UK operates a robust system of

export controls, set out in the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. It states that items may not be exported where there is a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of IHL. On day one of the UK Government taking office, the Foreign Secretary ordered a review into Israel’s compliance with IHL. The review concluded that there was a clear risk that UK exports for the IDF in the Gaza conflict might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of IHL.

As a result, UK Ministers took decisive action, stopping exports to the IDF that might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of IHL in Gaza. The UK Government successfully implemented the suspension decision and continue to refuse all relevant licence applications. It refused more licence applications for Israel in 2024 than in 2020 to 2023 combined.

As set out to Parliament, the only exception to the suspension is parts for the global F-35 programme, to protect its role in NATO and international peace and security. The UK Government have suspended direct exports of F-35 parts for use by Israel and categorically do not export any bombs or ammunition which could be used in Gaza and the West Bank. In the judgement handed down on 30 June 2025, the High Court upheld the Government’s decision-making on this matter.

More than half of export licences for Israel are for civilian goods, including IT security software, food testing chemicals, and university and lab equipment. Most military licences do not go to the Israeli authorities. Many are for military-grade equipment for commercial or civilian use, such as product testing or body-armour for journalists and NGOs. More still are for components which go to Israeli companies before being re-exported to a third country, including many to NATO allies. Any action to suspend these licences is unlikely to impact Israel’s military operations in Gaza. All it would do is undermine the UK Government’s allies’ defences and stifle legitimate cooperation and trade.

Regarding MPs being denied entry into Israel, it is unacceptable, counterproductive, and deeply concerning that two British MPs on a parliamentary delegation to Israel, were detained and refused entry by the Israeli authorities. They were part of a delegation visiting humanitarian projects amid the appalling situation in Gaza and a dangerous and deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank.

Whilst the Israeli authorities have the right to decide who can and cannot enter Israel, this decision sets a worrying precedent and only serves to damage the image of the Israeli government. Such visits are commonplace for MPs from all parties as they enrich our knowledge and experience as legislators and representatives. They create connections with countries, political counterparts, and civil society. The Government was pleased to see that three MPs were allowed entry during the following weekend. The Foreign Secretary and Minister Falconer, the FCDO Minister responsible for the Middle East, have made clear to their counterparts in the Israeli government, including the Israeli Ambassador, that this is no way to treat British Parliamentarians, and they have been in contact with both MPs to offer their support.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. It is actively investigating allegations of the gravest crimes in countries around the world.

The UK is a State Party to the Rome Statute and an active member of the Assembly of States Parties. In line with the UK Government’s stated commitment to the rule of law, UK Ministers respect the independence of the ICC. It is not for the UK Government to agree or disagree with the decisions of independent Courts. There is a domestic legal process through our independent courts that determines whether to endorse the warrant in accordance with the UK’s ICC Act 2001. UK Ministers will comply with their legal obligations.

There is no moral equivalence between Israel, a democracy, and Hamas and Lebanese Hizballah, which are terrorist organisations. The UK Government have been clear that Israel has a right to defend itself, in accordance with international law. That right is not under question, and the Court’s approval of the warrants does not change that. UK Ministers respect the independence of the ICC and the judicial process that will be followed.

UK Ministers continue to consider the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 19 July 2024 carefully, with the seriousness and rigour it deserves.proper consideration. The UK is fully committed to international law and respects the independence of the ICJ.

The UK Government’s commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.Ministers of the clear view that Israel should bring an end to its presence in the OPTs as rapidly as possible, but this must be done in a way that creates the conditions for negotiations towards the two-state solution.

It is the UK Government's long-standing policy that any formal determination that genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, and not for governments or non-judicial bodies. This approach ensures that any determination is above politics, lobbying, and individual or national interest. The UK respects the independence of the International Court of Justice and awaits their decision. UK Ministers cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings and do not believe it helpful to speculate on the outcome.

The UK Government is clear that it wants to see a negotiated two-state solution, with a sovereign Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank and Gaza, alongside a safe and secure Israel, with Jerusalem as a shared capital. That has been the framework for peace for decades and the consistent and longstanding approach of successive UK Governments and partners in the region. It is the only way to ensure, in the longer term, peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.

It will be for Palestinians to determine the future of Gaza, with support from regional states and the wider international community as part of a peace process. The UK does not support any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will. There must be no forced displacement of Palestinians, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip which is home to two million Palestinians and remains an integral part of a future Palestinian State. Palestinian civilians should be able to return to, and rebuild, their homes and their lives. That is a right guaranteed under international law.

The UK Government remains in close contact with the US Administration on all our countries’ shared priorities, including the situation in Israel and the OPTs. The UK Government is grateful for the vital role the US played, alongside Qatar and Egypt, in brokering the January 2025 ceasefire agreement. Collective focus must now be on restoring a ceasefire that paves the way toward a sustainable and lasting peace.

Israel suffered a horrific attack on 7 October 2023, and like all states, has a right to self- defence. However, the UK Government has stated that this plan will neither eliminate Hamas, nor ensure Israel’s security. Instead, it risks perpetuating the cycle of violence, leaving a generation traumatised and vulnerable to radicalisation. Opposing a war that has killed thousands of children is not rewarding Hamas. UK Ministers have been clear that Israel must ensure all its actions are in line with international law.

From its first day in office, the UK Government has pressed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to free the hostages and to bring humanitarian aid to civilians who have suffered so much. A negotiated solution is the only way to ensure long term security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and we urge all parties to return to negotiations. The Foreign Secretary has visited Israel and the OPTs three times since taking office, meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as families of hostages, victims of violence and members of the humanitarian community.

The UK will not give up on a two-state solution, which will guarantee security and stability for Israel, alongside a sovereign and stable Palestinian state. It remains the only framework, for a just and lasting peace. The Two-State Solution Conference has been postponed following military escalations in the region. The UK Government will continue to work closely with France, Saudi Arabia and others to make the conference a success when it is re-scheduled.

The situation in the region continues to evolve rapidly. But please rest assured that the Foreign Secretary and his entire Ministerial team will continue to do all they can to push for peace.

Yours sincerely,

Parliamentary Correspondence Team Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office