Attorney General witnesses horrors of terror: Israel and occupied Palestinian Territories visit

Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC MP embarked on a critical diplomatic mission, visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories from February 14 to 16, 2024. The journey brought her face-to-face with the harsh realities of the longstanding conflict, particularly the impact of Hamas terror attacks in Israel and the consequences of illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In Southern Israel, near Gaza, the Attorney General visited Kfar Asa Kibbuts, a site scarred by terror, murder, and kidnapping on October 7th. The community, still haunted by the events, faces ongoing challenges, including the captivity of hostages by Hamas. The Attorney General engaged with key figures, meeting the Israeli Attorney General, legal representatives from the Israeli Defence Force, and the President of the Supreme Court.

Day two unfolded in the West Bank, with visits to Ramallah and East Jerusalem. The Attorney General witnessed first-hand the impact of illegal settlements on villages and convened discussions with the Palestinian Attorney General and the Prime Minister. Her mission was clear: emphasise the vital need for compliance with International Humanitarian Law, ensuring the protection of civilians and detainees according to the Geneva Convention.

Reflecting on her experiences, the Attorney General expressed deep concern for the suffering endured by communities in Southern Israel and Palestinian civilians in Gaza. She condemned the Hamas-perpetrated atrocities at Kfar Asa Kibbuts and called for urgent international action to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Attorney General underscored the UK's stance that more must be done promptly to deliver aid to those affected. During her visit to the West Bank, she highlighted the challenges faced by a Bedouin village, where settler violence and illegal settlement expansion hindered access to essential services and instilled fear among villagers.

Addressing the situation at home, the Attorney General emphasised the need for all parties to adhere to International Humanitarian Law, urging a reduction in the unnecessary suffering of Israeli and Palestinian civilians. She called for stronger actions against extremist settlers involved in violence, stressing that Israel must take decisive measures to halt such actions.

In summary, Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC MP's visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories served as a platform to witness the stark realities on the ground and advocate for the enforcement of international laws to protect civilians and promote peace in the region.