PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Gaza: Water (30 July 2024)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to examine alleged instances of damage to (a) water, (b) sanitation and (c) Hygiene infrastructure in Gaza when commissioning future legal advice on arms sales to Israel.

Asked by:
Ellie Chowns (Green Party)

The Foreign Secretary has committed to keeping our position on suspension of around 30 export licenses to Israel for use in Gaza, over International Humanitarian Law (IHL) concerns under review. The UK assesses export licences against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC), which state that a licence will not be granted for an item if the Government determines there is a clear risk that it might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of IHL. When reviewing licensing decisions against these criteria in the context of the conflict in Gaza, the Government considers Israel's commitment and capability to comply with IHL, as well as aspects of its record of compliance. Those assessments are supported by a detailed evidence base, including analysis of the conflict from international bodies, NGOs and partner countries, as well as statements and reports by the Israeli Government and military representatives. The government has published a summary of the IHL process, decision and the factors taken into account [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-of-the-international-humanitarian-law-ihl-process-decision-and-the-factors-taken-into-account#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20conducted%20a%20thorough%20review%20of%20Israel%E2%80%99s%20compliance].

Answered by:
Mr Hamish Falconer (Labour)
6 September 2024