London, Thanasis Gavos

More than 250 British jurists, including distinguished lawyers and university professors, are calling on Rishi Sunak’s government to press for a ceasefire in Gaza in an open letter.

As they write, serious violations of international law are being committed in the region as Israel attempts to respond to the deadly attacks by Hamas.

The lawyers’ letter is addressed to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Secretary of State James Cleverley and Defense Secretary Grant Shapps.

Mr Sunak has said that London supports humanitarian “ceasefires” to give the Palestinian people the humanitarian aid they need and to remove civilians. A Downing Street spokesman explained that a full ceasefire would benefit Hamas.

The letter says the UK government must take urgent action to ensure it complies with its obligations under the Geneva Conventions, namely not to encourage, facilitate or assist violations of international humanitarian law by other countries.

These measures include pressing for a ceasefire and for the immediate resumption of food, water, medicine and fuel supplies to Gaza, according to the letter.

The lawyers are also calling on the British government to stop selling weapons to Israel that could be used to commit violations of international humanitarian law.

The ten-page letter contains an analysis of Israeli actions in Gaza following the October 7 attack, which also constituted a serious violation of international law by Hamas, as noted.

The British government has said it fully supports Israel’s right to self-defence within international law.