Israeli Human rights lawyer calls on the uk to be a “good friend” that ensures israel acts within international law
This morning, Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard - who has represented both Israeli and Palestinian human rights organisations - briefed opposition MPs and their staff on how international law applies to events in Israel and Gaza. He emphasised that Israel must allow access to humanitarian aid and not target civilians.
Mr Sfard stated that, while Israel has the right to defend itself, it must act in accordance with international law. He explained that international law allows for the use of force but that civilians should be impacted as little as possible. The three key principles of international humanitarian law are that civilians must not be targeted, that any attacks on military targets must minimise collateral damage, and that measures must be taken to mitigate threats to civilians.
In the context of events in Israel and Gaza, Mr Sfard argued that these principles mean that the Israeli Government should not deny aid to Palestinian civilians, or target civilian neighbourhoods. He was critical of orders to move Palestinians out of northern Gaza. He pointed out that, though civilians may be moved away from conflict zones, this must be temporary and their needs must be provided for. He suggested that humanitarian pauses - to allow aid to reach civilians - would be one way to protect Palestinians.
Asked what MPs can do to help, Mr Sfard argued that being a “good friend” to Israel means both empathising with Israeli’s pain following Hamas’ attacks and urging the Israeli Government to follow international law in its response.
The briefing was organised by Yachad, a British Jewish organisation which advocates for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Michael Sfard is a leading Israeli human rights lawyer. He has litigated against illegal settlements and represented Israeli human right’s organisations and Palestinians living in the West Bank. On Monday, he wrote an article for Ha’aretz - Israel’s longest running newspaper - which urged Israel to act humanely toward Palestinians.