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    Caroline Lucas does the 'both sides' routine, flirts with the 'a' word 📂 Archived Message

    Posted by Ian M on May 23, 2021, 2:04 pm

    https://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/statement-on-violence-in-palestine

    'STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE IN PALESTINE
    Tuesday, May 11, 2021

    I unequivocally condemn the police storming of Al-Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem and military strikes by the Israeli authorities on Gaza. These brutal attacks would be deeply worrying at any time, that there has been such an escalation of violence during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is particularly reprehensible. I want to see all parties in this conflict uphold international law, as well pursue peace, justice and freedom for everyone living in Palestine and Israel. As the occupying force and a nation that wields virtually unparalleled military power, Israel must bear overwhelming responsibility for de-escalating this situation - I also call on those firing rockets from Gaza to desist.

    The devastation wreaked on worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, reports that access to medical treatment is being blocked and the air strikes on civilians in Gaza, provide yet further evidence of the Israeli government’s utter disregard for international law - and it’s my view they need to be held to account for what would seem to constitute war crimes. We have seen the UK recently impose sanctions on individuals associated with human rights violations in China and action with regards Israel in this respect is long overdue.

    The context for this latest attack is the advancement of continued settlement and expansionist policies by the Israeli government and systematic human rights violations of Palestinians, which many are starting to define as apartheid. Last month I wrote to the Minister for the Middle East to ask him to take a stand on forced evictions in East Jerusalem. This attack further underscores the urgent need for an immediate end to the sale of all military equipment/hardware to Israel.'

    A few more tweets including her question in parliament: https://twitter.com/search?q=(israel%20OR%20gaza%20OR%20palestine%20OR%20jerusalem)%20(from%3ACarolineLucas)&src=typed_query&f=live She signed this letter from the Britain-Palestine All-Parliamentary Group which also condemns Hamas rocket attacks:

    '7. Hamas and other groups must cease firing rockets and mortars into Israeli civilian areas. This constitutes a war crime.' - https://www.caabu.org/news/news/britain-palestine-all-party-parliamentary-group-british-politicians-call-uk-ensure-full

    No 'what would seem to be' qualification needed there, I note! In the same document Israel is only accused of 'violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention', 'human rights abuses' and previous 'massively disproportionate attacks on Gaza' and opens with more 'both sides' BS:

    'The Britain-Palestine All Party Parliamentary Group is devastated by current events in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. All efforts must be made to end all attacks and forms of aggression, address the underlying causes and hold those responsible fully accountable.

    Genuine calm and de-escalation can only be achieved with the full realisation of Palestinian rights and the end of Israel’s systematic discrimination against Palestinians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In addition to procuring an end of bombing and rocketing, we believe any effective response from the international community, including the UK, to events in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory should ensure that:

    1. International law and accountability are fully adhered to by all parties. The UK government should ensure that all parties are made fully aware of their legal responsibilities, including strict adherence to the Fourth Geneva Convention and UN Security Council Resolutions. Above all this must prioritise ending all attacks by any party on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

    2. All those who violate international law and commit war crimes should be aware that the International Criminal Court (ICC) can and should prosecute. We urge the UK government to fully support the ICC’s investigation into all alleged grave crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory no matter which party stands accused.'

    [etc...]

    Welcome that they're pushing for an end to arms sales to Israel and opposing the illegal settlements, but they still seem to be viewing this as an inter-state conflict rather than an occupying force brutalising a colonised people. There's no suggestion that Palestinians have the right to resist with violence if they choose, and that you can't call something a 'war crime' if it isn't actually a war.

    I

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