Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether his Department has sought (a) internal and (b) external legal advice on the case brought against Israel at the International Court for Justice by the Republic of South Africa.

We regularly review advice about Israel's capability and commitment to International Humanitarian Law. We act consistently with that advice, for example when considering export licenses.

Regarding the case brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, we believe this development to be unhelpful and we do not support it. As previously stated, we recognise that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. We do not believe that calling this genocide is the right approach. It is wrong to say that Israeli leadership, and Israel as a country, have the intention to commit genocide. Ultimately, it is for courts to decide on matters of genocide, not for states. We of course respect the role and independence of the International Court of Justice.