Government “concerned” about international humanitarian law in Israel as MPs launch new inquiry

5 December 2024

The International Development Committee has launched a new inquiry into the impact a lack of adherence to international humanitarian law is having on access to humanitarian aid.

The launch comes as the cross party committee of MPs publishes a letter from Development Minister Anneliese Dodds, in which she says the Government is “profoundly concerned” about aid access in Gaza.

“Like the UN and many of our partners,” she writes “the Government is also concerned by Israel’s commitment to and compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL).”

She adds that the Government “will not arbitrate on whether or not Israel or individual Ministers are responsible for breaching international humanitarian law,” following the International Criminal Court’s issuing of arrest warrants but says the Government will comply with its legal obligations.

International humanitarian law helps to allow civilians to access relief like food, clothing and medicine when conflict strikes. Relevant rules are found in particular in the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and in customary international law. Several UN Security Council resolutions have advocated for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers.

But reports from recent conflicts suggest international humanitarian law is coming under increasing strain. According to the Aid Worker Security Database, 280 aid workers were killed in 2023. In Sudan, 25 aid workers have been killed since the year began, suggesting this year will be the deadliest for aid workers ever recorded in the country.

The Committee’s inquiry will explore how the UK Government is encouraging other countries to adhere to international humanitarian law, and how it is seeking to protect aid workers through its funding arrangements with partners delivering aid around the world.

The Committee is encouraging anyone impacted by this issue to give evidence, including aid workers, organisations delivering FCDO aid, academics and former diplomats.

Issues to address in evidence could include the impact non-compliance with international humanitarian law has on access to aid and the safety of aid workers, or which diplomatic levers the Government could use to encourage adherence.

Terms of reference are available on the Committee’s website.

Chair comment

Chair of the International Development Committee, Sarah Champion MP, said:

“Sudan. Ukraine. Gaza. Today’s most dangerous conflicts are marked by increasing concerns that actors are sidestepping international humanitarian law.

“This trend is of grave concern. Aid workers being unable to deliver essential goods to innocent civilians who need them represents a serious challenge to the rules that keep us all safe. Attacks on humanitarian workers and the blocking of vital assistance must never be accepted as the cost of doing business.

“How can the Government work with its allies and delivery partners to ensure that international law is adhered to and that aid workers are protected? Our inquiry will consider what more could be done to secure a safe environment for those going where many of us dare not.”

Further information

Image: House of Commons