Israel not committing genocide in Gaza, UK concludes

The UK government has concluded that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza but “must do much more” to prevent and alleviate suffering, according to a letter from former Foreign Secretary David Lammy released Monday.

Lammy clarified Britain’s position in response to questions from International Development Committee chair Sarah Champion. In the letter dated 1 September, he stated the government has not concluded Israel is acting with specific intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.

The position represents a shift from the government’s previous stance that international courts should determine whether Israel was committing genocide. Israel faces genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Former foreign secretary Lammy clarifies government position on intent

“The crime of genocide occurs only where there is specific ‘intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group,'” Lammy wrote. “The government has not concluded that Israel is acting with that intent.”

Lammy, who was replaced by Yvette Cooper as foreign secretary during Sir Keir Starmer’s recent reshuffle, criticised the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” in the region. “The high civilian casualties, including women and children, and the extensive destruction in Gaza, are utterly appalling,” he wrote.

Israel struck another high-rise building in Gaza City on Monday after warning residents to evacuate. The military claimed it targeted Hamas observation posts and bombs around the 12-storey office building, though provided no evidence for this claim.

Experts, governments, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organisations have accused Israel of carrying out genocide against the Palestinian people. The International Association of Genocide Scholars has declared that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide under international law.

Starmer meets Palestinian Authority leader Abbas on recognition

President Mahmoud Abbas visited Downing Street on Monday evening for discussions with Starmer about “the intolerable situation in Gaza” and securing “enduring peace and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis,” according to the prime minister’s spokesperson.

Abbas condemned “any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians” and “denounced all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of their source,” his office stated. The Palestinian Authority leader welcomed Starmer’s pledge to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting unless Israel changes course.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled for UK government meetings in coming days.