A legal action initiated by a group of Palestinians is seeking reparations from the UK Government, attributing the roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict to British involvement. Lawyers supporting the 400-page legal petition claim to possess evidence of international law breaches during the British rule era in the early 20th century.
The legal submission highlights historical evidence from 1917 to 1948 suggesting that Britain unjustly oppressed the Palestinian population, leading to the current division of the region into the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. This initiative coincides with Keir Starmer’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly if Israel fulfills specific conditions such as an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a revival of the two-state solution prospect.
The campaign “Britain Owes Palestine” demands acknowledgment, an apology, and reparations for what they describe as a century of oppression. The petition, spearheaded by lead petitioner Munib Al-Masri, who endured British soldier-inflicted injuries during his youth, emphasizes the British role in the Palestinian crisis.
Top human rights lawyer Ben Emmerson KC asserts that the petition underscores British accountability for the suffering in Palestine due to past violations of international law. He emphasizes the importance of the UK fulfilling its international obligations to make amends for historical injustices.
The UK Government has chosen not to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the US ambassador to Israel criticized plans to recognize a Palestinian state, claiming it had negative consequences, including emboldening Hamas and influencing Israel’s actions in the West Bank. Currently, 147 out of the UN’s 193 member states recognize the State of Palestine, with other nations like France, Canada, Japan, and Australia considering similar steps.