JEREMY Corbyn is set to host a "Gaza tribunal" after his Chilcot-style inquiry into the UK’s role in Israel’s bombardment of Gaza was blocked by the Labour Government.
The independent MP and former Labour leader announced the tribunal on Thursday, which aims to establish the full scale of the UK's complicity in the genocide in Gaza.
In March, Corbyn first made the call for an inquiry to be established in a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
However, during the second reading on July 4, the UK Government objected to the bill, therefore blocking any further progress.
The inquiry bill was backed by more than 50 MPs – including all nine SNP MPs and several Labour MPs – as well as 22 human rights organisations.
The tribunal will take place over two days in September and will hear from a range of witnesses, international law experts, lawyers and whistle-blowers.
The tribunal will look at four different areas:
- What has happened in Gaza?: Survivors and witnesses will be invited to outline the scale of human suffering, devastation and destruction in Gaza
- What are Britain's legal responsibilities?: Legal experts will be invited to outline the duties and obligations as set out in domestic and international law
- What has Britain's role been in the genocide?: The tribunal will establish Britain's involvement in Israeli military operations in Gaza, including - but not limited to - the supply of weapons, surveillance aircraft and the use of RAF bases
- Has Britain lived up to its legal obligations?: The final section of the tribunal will analyse the evidence presented to conclude whether Britain has fulfilled its legal obligations as set out in domestic and international law
Commenting, Corbyn said: “Just like Iraq, Government ministers are doing everything they can to hide the truth. Just like Iraq, they will not succeed.
“They cannot stop the inevitable: a full and independent inquiry.
“We will uncover the full scale of British complicity in genocide – and we will bring about justice for the people of Palestine.”
