Parliament is poised to debate the establishment of an inquiry akin to the Chilcot report, focusing on the UK’s role in the ongoing Gaza conflict. This significant development follows a motion to include the Gaza (Independent Public Inquiry) Bill on the agenda for discussion later this year. The proposed inquiry is designed to scrutinise any UK military, economic, or political cooperation with Israel since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, when Hamas militants launched an attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and hundreds of kidnappings.

The humanitarian toll of the conflict has been staggering, with reports indicating that over 54,000 individuals in Gaza have lost their lives as a result of Israel’s retaliatory actions. Jeremy Corbyn, the Independent MP for Islington North, strongly advocates for this inquiry, asserting it would reveal the “murky history of what’s gone on” in Gaza, particularly regarding arms sales and the UK’s complicity in what he deems acts of genocide. In a recent speech to the House of Commons, Corbyn described the harrowing human costs of the conflict and stated, “Our future history books will report with shame those that had the opportunity to stop this carnage but failed to act.”

In advocating for the inquiry, Corbyn draws parallels with the Iraq War, referencing the Chilcot Inquiry which meticulously examined the decisions leading to the UK’s military involvement and its aftermath. The former Labour leader underscored the need for accountability in light of the UK’s alleged influential role in the Israel-Gaza conflict, including arms exports and intelligence sharing. His concerns reflect a broader sentiment among a coalition of MPs; over thirty members, including Labour MPs and representatives from various parties such as the SNP and Plaid Cymru, have signed a letter backing Corbyn’s push for a comprehensive investigation into the UK’s involvement in the conflict.

While bolstering his case in Parliament, Corbyn highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the UK’s arms sales, notably pointing to the components supplied for F-35 fighter jets, which have reportedly been involved in strikes against Gaza. The inquiry would also investigate the usage of British military bases in Cyprus and the legal advisory opinions from the government concerning potential acts of genocide. Corbyn declared, “History is now repeating itself,” cautioning that governmental evasion on these issues would not go unchecked.

The upcoming debate scheduled for July 4 represents a crucial moment for those advocating accountability in UK foreign policy. The inquiry’s findings could impact public perception and political discourse concerning the UK’s role in international conflicts, especially given the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The demand for clarity and the establishment of oversight over military actions echo the post-Iraq sentiment, underscoring the need for responsible governance and historic reckoning.

As Parliament prepares to take up this contentious issue, it remains to be seen how the inquiry will unfold and what ramifications it may have for UK-Israel relations as well as the broader geopolitical landscape.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services