Thank you for contacting me about the case brought by the South African Government against Israel in the International Court of justice.
South Africa has filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). I agree with the Government that this development is unhelpful and do not support it.
Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, and is doing all it can to do so within international humanitarian law. I do not believe that Israel's response to Hamas' constant threats to repeat the pogrom of 7th October again and again until no Jews are left 'from the river to the sea' can be described as genocide. Israel is responding to a genocidal massacre and is seeking to prevent more.
The British Government’s long-standing position is that it is for courts to decide on matters of genocide, not for states.
Craig Whittaker MP
January 2024