International humanitarian law has to be respected in Gaza: UK premier

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday reiterated the UK's long-standing support to the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying international humanitarian law has to be respected in Gaza.

His remarks came during the weekly Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session in parliament, responding to a question by Conservative MP Flick Drummond.

Asked what support will the UK offer to the ICC to investigate incidents before and since Oct. 7 in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, Sunak said when it comes to the situation in Gaza, his government has been consistent in saying that "international humanitarian law has to be respected."

"All parties must take every possible step to avoid harming civilians," noted the prime minister, adding that he stressed this point "specifically" on Tuesday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During the phone call, Sunak expressed "disappointment" about the breakdown of the pause in Gaza, stressing the need for Israel to "take greater care to protect civilians in Gaza."

Israel resumed its military offensive on the Palestinian territory on Friday after the end of a weeklong humanitarian pause with Hamas.

At least 16,248 Palestinians have been killed and more than 43,616 others injured in relentless air and ground attacks on the enclave since Oct. 7, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

The Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stood at 1,200, according to official figures.