‘Did anybody warn the UK Government about legal complicity in the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

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My 1st Q. – ‘Did anybody warn the UK Government about legal complicity in the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

AI – ‘Yes, the UK government has been warned multiple times about its potential legal complicity in violations of international law in Gaza, which includes the destruction of cultural heritage. While most direct warnings focus on arms sales and human rights violations, the legal risks stemming from these actions extend to all violations of international law, which encompass the intentional destruction of cultural property during armed conflict. 

Legal and NGO warnings

  • Lawyers’ letters: Since the war began in October 2023, UK-based lawyers, legal academics, and former judges have repeatedly sent open letters to the UK government warning of its potential complicity in war crimes and genocide in Gaza. While not exclusively focused on cultural heritage, these warnings highlight the overall legal risks associated with continuing to supply arms to Israel amid alleged serious violations of international law.
  • NGOs and human rights groups: Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have warned the UK government about its potential legal complicity.
    • Christian Aid, Oxfam, War on Want, and Global Justice Now issued a joint letter in January 2024, warning that the UK risked complicity in the “slaughter of civilians” by continuing arms sales to Israel.
    • Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and other NGOs have also warned the UK that its policies and inaction put it at risk of complicity in violations of international law.
  • Specific evidence to Parliament: In late 2024, written evidence submitted to UK Parliament committees explicitly raised the issue of cultural heritage. For example, one submission mentioned a December 2023 response to the destruction of the al Omari Mosque in Gaza and concerns about the looting of antiquities, urging the UK to enforce conventions protecting cultural property.
  • Parliamentary questions and debates: Members of Parliament have repeatedly questioned ministers about potential government complicity in violations of international law in Gaza. This has included questions about adhering to the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which relate to genocide and, by extension, other grave violations such as the destruction of cultural property. 

Legal basis for warnings regarding cultural property

The warnings are based on the UK’s legal obligations under international law, particularly concerning complicity in international crimes.

  • Geneva Conventions: The UK, as a High Contracting Party, is obligated to ensure respect for the conventions, which include rules on protecting cultural objects.
  • 1954 Hague Convention: This convention specifically protects cultural property during armed conflict. In a December 2024 submission to the UK Parliament, a body raised concerns about damaged religious sites in Gaza and urged the government to enforce the 1970 UNESCO convention on illicit trafficking of cultural property.
  • International Criminal Court (ICC) Statute: The statute defines intentionally directing attacks against historic monuments and buildings dedicated to religion as a war crime. As a member state, the UK could be seen as complicit if it aids or assists in such crimes. 

Summary

While many legal and NGO warnings primarily focus on the loss of civilian life and arms exports, the specific issue of cultural heritage has also been raised with the UK government. The broader warnings regarding potential complicity in war crimes and genocide implicitly cover all serious violations of international humanitarian law, including the destruction of cultural property.’

See also my blog on the same page –  ‘Does the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza prove that Israel has committed Crimes against Humanity & Genocide?’ and:

My 2nd Q, – ‘What notable Cultural Heritage Sites and Monuments existed in Gaza before November 2023?’

AI – ‘Numerous important cultural heritage sites and monuments existed in Gaza prior to November 2023, reflecting its long and diverse history. 

Here are some examples:

  • Archaeological Sites:
    • Tell es-Sakan: An Early Bronze Age settlement (3300-2300 BC), according to Wikipedia the first archaeological site in Gaza dating to this period.
    • Tell el-Ajjul: Another significant archaeological site from the Middle and Late Bronze Age.
    • Anthedon Harbour (Al-Balakhiyya): Gaza’s ancient port dating from 800 BCE to 1100 AD, a cultural site on Palestine’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    • St.Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer: A 4th-century monastery in the Nuseirat municipality, considered one of the earliest monasteries in the Middle East and the first in the Palestine region.
  • Religious Sites:
    • Great Omari Mosque: Gaza’s oldest and largest mosque, with a history spanning centuries, built on the site of a former Byzantine church and possibly an even earlier temple.
    • Church of Saint Porphyrius: The oldest church in Gaza, rebuilt in the 12th century AD, associated with St.Porphyrius, bishop of Gaza in the 5th century AD.
    • Sayed al-Hashim Mosque: One of Gaza’s historic mosques, featuring Ottoman architecture.
  • Historic Buildings & Monuments:
    • Pasha’s Palace (Qasr al-Basha): A large, two-story palace dating to the Mamluk era, later serving as a museum.
    • Rashad Shawa Cultural Center: Established in 1988, this center hosted various cultural events and housed a theater and library.
    • Hamam al-Samra: A Mamluk-era bathhouse, also a significant historical site.
    • Unknown Soldier Square and Monument: A notable square with a monument symbolizing the Palestinian revolution.
    • Barquq Castle: A fortress in Khan Yunis built in the 1300s by Sultan Barquq. 

This list provides a glimpse into the rich history of Gaza as reflected in its cultural heritage sites and monuments existing before the events of November 2023. 

My 3rd Q. – ‘During the recent war in Gaza what notable Cultural Heritage Sites and Monuments have been destroyed and how?’

AI – During the recent war in Gaza, numerous notable cultural heritage sites and monuments were destroyed or severely damaged, primarily by Israeli bombardments. UNESCO has verified damage to at least 110 sites since October 2023. 

Major historical and archaeological sites

  • The Great Omari Mosque
  • , Gaza City: This historic mosque, the largest and oldest in Gaza, was largely destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in December 2023. Built on the foundations of a Philistine temple and later a Byzantine church, the mosque and its library containing rare 14th-century manuscripts were reduced to rubble, with only the minaret partly remaining.
  • Church of Saint Porphyrius
  • , Gaza City: An Israeli airstrike hit the campus of the third-oldest church in the world in October 2023, killing 18 people who were sheltering there. While the main church building initially survived, it has since been damaged by continued attacks.
  • Qasr Al-Basha (Pasha Palace), Gaza City: This 13th-century palace, which functioned as an archaeology museum, was bombed and bulldozed during the invasion. An airstrike in December 2023 damaged its walls, courtyard, and gardens.
  • Hamam al-Sammara, Gaza City: This 13th or 14th-century bathhouse, one of Gaza’s most significant monuments, was almost completely destroyed in December 2023.
  • Anthedon Harbour (Blakhiya Byzantine Cemetery), Gaza City: Gaza’s first known seaport, and a UNESCO-tentative World Heritage site dating to 800 BCE, was reportedly completely destroyed by Israeli military action.
  • Monastery of Saint Hilarion/Tell Umm Amer, Nuseirat: This 4th-century Christian monastery complex has been in an area of intense fighting. While UNESCO has granted it enhanced protection, the site was added to the World Heritage in Danger list in 2024 due to the conflict.
  • Ard-al-Moharbeen (Roman Necropolis), Gaza City: This ancient Roman cemetery, discovered in 2022 and undergoing excavation, was damaged by rockets in October 2023 and is considered at risk.
  • Tell el-Ajjul
  • , Khan Yunis: This fortified city, dating back to 2000–1800 BCE, was damaged by bombardment. 

Cultural institutions and archives

  • Gaza Central Archives:  The Central Archives, which housed thousands of historical documents important to Gazan history, were destroyed by Israeli bombardment in December 2023.
  • Rashad Shawa Cultural Center, Gaza City:  This center was destroyed by Israeli shelling in November 2023. It contained a theater and a library with thousands of books and was used as a civilian shelter.
  • Rafah Museum:  The Rafah Museum, which housed a collection of ancient coins and other heritage items, was destroyed in an airstrike in October 2023.
  • Al Qarara Cultural Museum:  This museum was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike early in the conflict.
  • Israa University:  The main building of the university, including its library and national museum, was deliberately destroyed with mines by the IDF in January 2024. 

Methods of destruction

  • Airstrikes: Bombardment from the air was a primary method of destruction for many sites, including the 
  • Great Omari Mosque , the Church of Saint Porphyrius, and multiple museums.
  • Shelling: Israeli shelling was responsible for destroying the 
  • Rashad Shawa Cultural Center and damaging other historical buildings.
  • Bulldozing and Demolition: Some sites, like parts of the Old City of Gaza and some cemeteries, were razed by bulldozers. The main building of 
  • Israa University was demolished using mines.
  • Disrespect and looting: Incidents of IDF soldiers burning books and looting museum artifacts have also been reported. 

Wider context

  • Targeting accusations: The destruction of cultural sites is considered a potential war crime under international law, and some have characterized the actions as “cultural genocide”.
  • Military justification: Israeli officials have stated that cultural sites were only targeted if used by Hamas for military purposes, which Hamas denies. The IDF claims to operate in accordance with international law to mitigate civilian harm.
  • Scale of damage: The devastation has left much of Gaza’s historical urban fabric in ruins. In February 2024, the Palestinian Ministry of Culture reported that approximately 200 historic buildings and numerous cultural centers were damaged or destroyed. Restoration of the damaged sites could take many years and substantial funding.’

My 4th Q. – ‘What notable Cultural Heritage Sites and Monuments exist in Gaza today?’

AI – ‘Prior to the recent war, Gaza was rich in cultural heritage, with over 325 registered sites reflecting millennia of history under different civilizations. As of 2024, many of Gaza’s most notable cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed. 

Religious sites

  • The Great Omari Mosque: The oldest and most renowned mosque in Gaza City, it was converted from a 5th-century Byzantine church and rebuilt several times throughout its history. The mosque was severely damaged by an airstrike in December 2023.
  • The Church of Saint Porphyrius: This 4th-century Greek Orthodox church is one of the world’s oldest active places of worship. An Israeli airstrike on the church campus killed 18 people who were sheltering there in October 2023.
  • Sayed al-Hashim Mosque: A 12th-century mosque located in Gaza’s al-Daraj neighborhood, it houses the tomb of Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, the great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad. It was damaged during the conflict.
  • Ibn Uthman Mosque: A 15th-century mosque in Gaza’s Shuja’iyya neighborhood, it was destroyed by an airstrike in July 2024.
  • Saint Hilarion Monastery (Tell Umm Amer): A 4th-century Christian monastery in central Gaza, it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage and Endangered lists in 2024. However, it was also damaged during the conflict.’

See also:

  • Gaza Strip: Damage assessment – UNESCO is conducting a preliminary damage assessment for cultural properties through remote monitoring based on satellite imagery and analysis provided by UNITAR/UNOSAT, as on-the-ground assessments are impossible in the current situation. Gaza Strip: Damage assessment | UNESCO

‘As of 27 May 2025, UNESCO has verified damage to 110 sites since 7 October 2023 – 13 religious sites, 77 buildings of historical and/or artistic interest, 3 depositories of movable cultural property, 9 monuments, 1 museum and 7 archaeological sites.’

My 5th Q. – ‘What Questions have been raised at Prime Minister’s Questions and what Debate has taken place in the UK Parliament about the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

AI – ‘UK Parliamentarians have repeatedly raised concerns about the destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza through debates and written questions, reflecting the broader international focus on the war’s impact beyond the humanitarian crisis. 

While no specific questions on cultural heritage were found in Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), the topic has been highlighted in other parliamentary forums. A significant focus of questions and debate has also been on accountability and the UK government’s diplomatic and economic response. 

Parliamentary debates

Key debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords since October 2023 have addressed the Gaza conflict, with the destruction of cultural heritage being a related, though not always central, concern. 

  • Adjournment debate (April 2025): The UK Parliament held an adjournment debate on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The discussion covered the long history of the conflict and human rights concerns, providing context for the destruction of cultural property.
  • House of Lords debate (June 2025): In a debate on the conflict, speakers discussed the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and raised broader concerns about Israeli actions and human rights abuses.
  • Middle East debate (March 2025): A debate in the House of Commons on the conflict in Gaza highlighted the widespread devastation and called for a ceasefire, referencing the brutality of Hamas and the harrowing details of the conflict. 

Written questions

Written questions submitted by MPs have provided detailed scrutiny on specific issues, including cultural and educational institutions. 

  • Question 34308 (February 2025): The UK Parliament recorded a question specifically concerning “Gaza: Culture and Educational Institutions”. In its response, the government noted that “the destruction of cultural facilities is also highly concerning,” but did not provide specifics on what action would be taken.
  • Committee evidence (December 2024): Written evidence submitted to a parliamentary committee detailed “incomprehensible damage” to cultural heritage sites and drew attention to the “intentional and methodical destruction of cultural institutions” as an attempt to deny Palestinian culture. The evidence called on the UK government to use its influence to hold Israel accountable and to enforce the 1970 UNESCO convention on cultural property. 

UK government statements

Statements from the UK government and Prime Minister have acknowledged the severe situation in Gaza and its impact on infrastructure, though the direct focus is often on the humanitarian crisis and achieving a ceasefire. 

  • Statement on Gaza (December 2024): A UK statement at the UN Security Council noted that “Israel’s expansion of military infrastructure and the destruction of civilian buildings and agricultural land across the Strip is unacceptable”. While not solely focused on cultural sites, this reflects official recognition of the extensive destruction.
  • Prime Minister’s statement (August 2025): Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement in August 2025 urging Israel to reconsider its plans to take control of Gaza City. The PM noted that such actions would “only bring more bloodshed” and highlighted the need for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution. 

Broader context

The discussions around cultural heritage destruction in the UK Parliament have taken place within the wider context of:

  • Calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
  • Concerns over the humanitarian crisis and restrictions on aid.
  • The conduct of the Israeli military and broader human rights concerns.
  • UK foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine, including the prospect of recognising a Palestinian state.’

My 6th Q. – ‘What Questions have been raised and what Debate has taken place in the United Nations General Assembly about the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

AI – ‘At the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza has been raised in the context of broader debates and resolutions concerning the humanitarian situation and alleged war crimes. While the UNGA has not focused solely on cultural heritage, the issue has been highlighted by member states, UN bodies, and non-governmental organizations as part of the total devastation wrought by the conflict. 

Key questions and debates raised

1. Is the destruction of cultural heritage a war crime?

  • This central question was raised in December 2023 when South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention.
  • South Africa’s evidence included allegations that Israel’s actions amounted to “cultural genocide,” with widespread destruction of mosques, churches, universities, museums, and historical sites intended to erase Palestinian cultural identity.
  • The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court classifies the intentional destruction of cultural heritage as a war crime. Israel has denied that it intentionally targets cultural sites, stating its military operations are in line with international law. 

2. Is the destruction systematic and intentional?

  • Debates have included accusations from groups like the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor that Israel is systematically targeting archaeological and cultural sites.
  • In contrast, Israel has maintained that it only attacks legitimate military targets.
  • Analysis of the damage has raised questions about military necessity and potential violations of international humanitarian law, particularly the 1907 and 1954 Hague Conventions. 

3. What is the UN’s role in protection and investigation?

  • A key debate is the role of UN agencies, particularly UNESCO, in responding to the crisis. In November 2023, UNESCO passed a resolution on the “Impact and consequences of the current situation in the Gaza Strip,” calling for an emergency assistance program and adhering to relevant conventions.
  • Some organizations, such as the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, have pressed UNESCO to do more, including dispatching fact-finding missions.
  • The UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry has also investigated all alleged violations of international law in Gaza and Israel. 

Broader UNGA actions and context

While the UNGA has not passed a standalone resolution on cultural heritage in Gaza, it has engaged in the issue as part of broader efforts to address the crisis:

  • Emergency special sessions: The UNGA has held multiple emergency special sessions on the situation in Gaza. In a June 2025 session, the UNGA overwhelmingly adopted a resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
  • Emphasis on international law: Throughout the conflict, UN bodies have repeatedly called on all parties to strictly adhere to international law, with UNESCO stating that cultural property should not be targeted or used for military purposes.
  • Resolution on return of cultural property: In December 2024, the UNGA passed a resolution on the return of cultural property to countries of origin, expressing grave concern over the rise in theft and trafficking during armed conflict. While not Gaza-specific, it underscored the international community’s concern over cultural property protection. 

Evidence of cultural heritage destruction

The debates and questions raised in the UNGA are supported by extensive documentation from various sources, including:

  • UNESCO damage assessments: UNESCO has continuously monitored and verified damage to numerous cultural sites in Gaza through remote sensing and satellite imagery. As of June 2025, it had verified damage to over 50 sites, a number that grew over the course of the conflict.
  • Reporting by cultural heritage organizations: The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Palestine has issued urgent heritage alerts documenting the destruction of landmarks like the historic Souk Al-Qaisariyya and the Souk Al-Zawiya.
  • Palestinian Ministry of Culture reports: The ministry has published reports detailing the impact on cultural institutions and historic buildings, confirming extensive damage.
  • International Court of Justice filings: The evidence submitted by South Africa to the ICJ has been cited in debates concerning the scale and intent of the destruction.’

‘My 7h Q. – ‘What submissions have been presented at the ICJ about about the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

AI – ‘While there’s no specific ICJ submission focused solely on the destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza, the broader case of South Africa v. Israel (genocide allegations) mentions the destruction of homes and other structures as evidence of genocidal actions. This destruction was part of a larger pattern of actions that South Africa argued were intended to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian group in Gaza. 

Key Details from the South Africa v. Israel Case: 

  • Accusation:

South Africa alleged that Israel’s actions in Gaza were “genocidal in character”.

  • Evidence cited:

The destruction of homes and other buildings was listed as a specific type of action that supported the accusation of genocide.

  • Goal:

South Africa argued that these acts, along with the killing of Palestinians and the blockade of aid, were committed with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza.

How it Relates to Cultural Heritage:

While the case does not contain a separate filing specifically about cultural heritage, the destruction of homes and structures can be seen as an attack on the cultural fabric of Gaza. The loss of these buildings has a significant impact on the heritage and cultural identity of the Palestinian people.’

My 8th Q. – ‘What percentage of the entire Tangible Cultural Heritage of the Palestinian People has been destroyed in Gaza since November 2023?’

AI – ‘An exact percentage of the entire Palestinian Tangible Cultural Heritage destroyed in Gaza since November 2023 is not available, due to ongoing conflict and difficulties with comprehensive assessment. However, various organizations have provided estimates on the destruction of cultural sites within the Gaza Strip. The figures differ because they rely on various reporting periods, methodologies, and source materials. 

Estimated percentages of cultural site destruction

  • More than two-thirds: A March 2025 Guardian article, citing Palestinian and UK-based archaeological experts, estimated that more than two-thirds of Gaza’s heritage, cultural, and archaeological sites had been damaged.
  • 60%: A June 2024 report in the anthropology magazine SAPIENS cited the Israeli NGO Emek Shaveh and estimated that about 60% of culturally significant sites in Gaza had been destroyed or severely damaged during the first six months of the war.
  • Around 50%: A November 2024 article from The Conversation, authored by archaeologists working to document Gaza’s heritage, estimated that around 50% of the Gaza Strip’s heritage sites had been damaged.
  • Over 100 sites: An August 2024 report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israeli forces have caused damage to more than half of all religious and cultural sites in Gaza. 

Key challenges in calculation

  • Incomplete inventory: The ongoing conflict makes it nearly impossible to conduct full on-the-ground surveys. Before October 2023, the historical sites of Gaza were already under pressure and inadequately cataloged.
  • Intangible heritage: The question of tangible cultural heritage is separate from intangible heritage, such as traditions and customs, which are also being destroyed through the conflict.
  • Defining the scope: It is also difficult to define what constitutes the “entire Tangible Cultural Heritage of the Palestinian People,” as this would encompass sites beyond the Gaza Strip, including in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where heritage sites have also been affected. 

Notable sites affected

Damage reports have highlighted the destruction of numerous historically and culturally significant sites across Gaza, including: 

  • The Great Omari Mosque
  • The Church of Saint Porphyrius
  • The medieval Qasr al-Basha (Pasha’s Palace)
  • The ancient port of Anthedon
  • The Central Archives of Gaza City
  • The Rashad Shawa Cultural Center.’ 

My 8th Q. – ‘Have any Israeli Government Ministers and members of the IDF ever made any statement about the destruction of everything in Gaza?’

AI – ‘Yes, multiple Israeli government ministers and members of the IDF have made statements about the destruction of parts or all of Gaza. The rhetoric, documented by numerous sources, has included calls to “wipe Gaza off the face of the Earth,” inflict widespread destruction, and displace its population. Some of these remarks have been cited as evidence in the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. 

Statements by Israeli government ministers

  • Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister, has repeatedly discussed the destruction of Gaza. In May 2025, he reportedly stated that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed” and its population would “leave in great numbers to third countries”.
  • Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister, has called for measures to starve Hamas by cutting off aid and has insisted that Hamas be “destroyed”.
  • Amichai Eliyahu, the Heritage Minister, made headlines in November 2023 for suggesting that a nuclear bomb be dropped on Gaza. In July 2025, he was quoted as saying, “The government is racing to wipe out Gaza”.
  • Yoav Gallant, the former Defense Minister, announced a “complete siege” of Gaza in October 2023, cutting off electricity, food, and fuel. He also referred to Palestinians in Gaza as “human animals”.
  • Nissim Vaturi, Vice President of the Knesset, has delivered multiple tirades calling to “wipe Gaza off the face of the Earth”. 

Statements and actions by IDF members

While senior IDF leadership typically uses more careful language, numerous reports document statements and actions by soldiers that have contributed to this rhetoric.

  • Online media: In the months since October 2023, thousands of photos and videos from Gaza have been posted on social media by IDF soldiers. These have shown soldiers blowing up buildings, looting homes, and making calls for revenge.
  • Soldier testimony: An investigative report by The Washington Post in December 2024 featured interviews with soldiers who said they had been instructed to burn civilian homes. One soldier described feeling a “very, very strong sense of revenge from everybody” in his unit.
  • Disciplinary actions: The IDF has acknowledged that some of these incidents “deviated from IDF values” and has conducted disciplinary talks with some soldiers.
  • Ezra Yachin, a 95-year-old army reservist brought in to motivate troops, was filmed inciting soldiers to “erase the memory” of Palestinians. 

Widespread and dehumanizing rhetoric

Beyond specific calls for destruction, the rhetoric has been documented by human rights organizations as widely dehumanizing and inflammatory:

  • Biblical analogies: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly invoked the biblical story of Amalek to justify the scale of the destruction in Gaza.
  • Accusations of genocide: The incendiary statements by Israeli officials have been systematically documented by human rights organizations like Amnesty International and have been highlighted by South Africa in its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.’ 

My 9th Q. – ‘Have any British made and supplied arms been used in the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

AI – ‘Multiple organizations have reported that British-made components are used in Israeli military equipment, including F-35 fighter jets, that has been deployed in Gaza, where widespread destruction of cultural heritage has occurred

. However, there is no direct public confirmation that British arms specifically caused damage to a particular heritage site. 

Links between UK arms and Gaza destruction

  • F-35 components: UK-based companies, including BAE Systems, produce about 15% of the components for the F-35 fighter jet, which has been used by Israel during the conflict in Gaza. The UK government has continued to supply these parts, citing the jet’s importance to NATO security.
  • Other military hardware: The UK has also supplied other military goods to Israel, such as components for drones and other military aircraft. In September 2024, the UK government suspended some of these export licenses, acknowledging a “clear risk” they could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law.
  • Previous use of UK arms: British-made arms have been used by Israeli forces in Gaza in previous conflicts. For example, the government admitted that UK-supplied components were used in military equipment during the 2008–2009 conflict. 

Destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza

Numerous reports have documented the extensive destruction of Gaza’s cultural heritage during the conflict. 

  • The UN has found that Israeli forces have damaged more than half of all religious and cultural sites.
  • A March 2025 article in The Guardian cited experts estimating that over two-thirds of Gaza’s heritage, cultural, and archaeological sites have been damaged.
  • Specific sites that have been affected include:
    • The Great Omari Mosque

The Monastery of St. Hilarion (Tall Umm `Amir)

Archaeological sites and historic buildings. 

Legal and ethical considerations

  • The 1954 Hague Convention: This international agreement protects cultural property during armed conflict. The UK could be found complicit in violations if it aids or assists in crimes that violate the convention.
  • Due diligence: The UK government has been repeatedly warned by lawyers and NGOs that its continued arms exports risk complicity in war crimes, including the destruction of cultural heritage.
  • Difficulty in tracing: The opaque nature of global supply chains for military equipment, especially via “open licences” that permit unlimited exports, makes it very difficult to definitively trace how specific components are used. 

The debate continues regarding the extent of the UK’s legal and moral responsibility, particularly concerning its continued involvement in the F-35 program.’

My 10th Q. – ‘Which UK Government Ministers have approved the sale and supply of British made arms and parts used by Israel in the destruction of Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

AI – ‘Multiple UK Ministers from different parties have overseen the arms supply to Israel, which has included components used in Gaza. While specific Ministers have not been named for approving the destruction of cultural heritage, the UK Government has faced scrutiny for its approval of weapon sales and has, at times, restricted or cancelled export licenses due to concerns about the misuse of British arms, such as during the 2008-09 Gaza conflict, according to Oxfam. 

Key Points:

  • Historical Oversight:

British Ministers from various political backgrounds (Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat) have been involved in decisions regarding arms exports to Israel. 

  • Accusations of Misuse:

There have been instances where British-supplied components were used by Israel in actions in Gaza, leading to apologies from UK officials and the cancellation of some licenses. 

  • Policy Changes:

In response to misuse concerns, the UK government has, at various times, suspended licenses for arms exports to Israel, such as in 2009 and during a review in 2014. 

  • Ongoing Scrutiny:

The UK government has continued to face pressure and criticism regarding its arms sales and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly with recent developments in late 2024. 

  • Specific Individuals:

No specific Minister has been named for approving the sale of British arms for the specific purpose of destroying cultural heritage in Gaza. Rather, it’s a collective government decision-making process where the policy of supplying arms to Israel has been overseen by various administrations over time.’ 

My 11th Q. – ‘In so far as this is public knowledge, has any legal advice been provided to UK Government Ministers by the Foreign Office Legal Department about approving export licences for the sale of arms and parts to Israel which Israel is using to destroy Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

AI – ‘Yes, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legal Department advice informs government ministers’ decisions on arms export licences to Israel, though the specifics of this advice remain confidential. This legal guidance was instrumental in the government’s repeated decisions not to suspend arms exports, until a review in September 2024 concluded there was a clear risk of serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), leading to the suspension of around 30 licences. 

Before the September 2024 Suspension 

  • Confidential Advice:

The FCDO Legal Department provides advice to ministers, which remains confidential.

  • Initial Decisions:

For months prior to September 2024, ministers were advised that there was “good evidence to support a judgment that Israel is committed to comply with IHL”.

  • Maintaining Licences:

Based on this legal advice, the government did not suspend or revoke export licences for arms to Israel.

The September 2024 Shift

  • Updated IHL Assessment:

Foreign Secretary David Lammy commissioned a new assessment of Israel’s compliance with IHL in the context of the Gaza war. 

  • Government Decision:

The UK government, acting on this fresh assessment and likely informed by the FCDO legal department, determined there was a clear risk that certain military exports could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of IHL. 

  • Suspension of Licences:

Consequently, the government suspended approximately 30 arms export licences for items like components for fighter aircraft, drones, and targeting systems. 

Ongoing Context

  • High Court Review:

A High Court case challenged the government’s decision to continue to supply spare parts for F-35 jets, arguing the parts could still be used for military operations in Gaza. The court ultimately rejected the case, stating it lacked the constitutional authority to intervene. 

  • Confidentiality of Advice:

The government maintains that the content of its legal advice is confidential.’

My 12th Q. – ‘Has any civil servant in the UK Foreign Office resigned about the approval of export licences for the sale of arms and parts to Israel which Israel is using to destroy Cultural Heritage in Gaza?’

AI – ‘Yes, a UK Foreign Office civil servant, Mark Smith, resigned in August 2024 in protest over the UK’s policy on arms sales to Israel. He stated that he raised concerns about potential war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law, including the misuse of UK-supplied arms, through official channels, but received only basic acknowledgments. His resignation email detailed concerns about the handling of arms export policies, with Smith alleging that officials were instructed to manipulate findings and that his reports were altered to portray compliance with the law. 

Details of Mark Smith’s Resignation

  • Resignation Date: August 2024 
  • Reason: Protest against the UK government’s approval of arms sales to Israel. 
  • Role: Smith was a Foreign Office official who had worked on counter-terrorism and previously on Middle East arms export licensing assessment. 
  • Allegations:
    • He claimed that officials were witnessing “clear and unquestionable examples” of war crimes and breaches of international humanitarian law by Israel in Gaza. 
    • He stated he raised these concerns at every level of the Foreign Office, including through the official whistleblowing mechanism. 
    • He alleged that reports he drafted were edited by senior colleagues to give the impression that the UK was in compliance with the law, rather than reflecting the reality of the situation. 
  • Outcome: He resigned and sent a widely distributed email to colleagues, detailing his experiences. 

Context

  • In September 2024, the UK government suspended about 30 arms export licences to Israel, citing risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law. 
  • This action followed pressure from parliamentarians and civil society groups regarding the use of UK arms in the conflict in Gaza. 
  • The Foreign Office declined to comment on individual cases but stated the government’s commitment to international law.’

My 13th Q. – ‘Has any group of civil servants in the UK Foreign Office expressed concern about the approval of export licences for the sale of arms and parts to Israel?

AI – ‘Yes, multiple groups of UK Foreign Office (FCDO) civil servants have expressed concern over arms exports to Israel, with some staff resigning and others formally challenging the government’s stance on international law violations. Concerns, stemming from potential complicity in violating international humanitarian law, led to a collective letter in July 2024 and a formal resignation in August 2024 from a Foreign Office official. 

Specific Instances of Concern:

In July 2024, staff formally expressed concern regarding Israel’s potential violations of international humanitarian law and the UK’s perceived complicity through continued weapons exports, according to The Guardian. 

In August 2024, a Foreign Office official named Mark Smith resigned in protest over the UK’s refusal to ban arms exports to Israel due to alleged breaches of international law, BBC News reports. 

  • Government response to staff:

After the collective expression of concern, the FCDO responded by suggesting that civil servants with profound policy disagreements should consider resigning, as reported by The Guardian. 

Context of the Concerns:

  • The concerns were driven by events such as the killing of humanitarian workers in Gaza and accusations of Israel using starvation as a weapon of war, with staff arguing that the UK’s policy contributed to the erosion of global norms, according to The Guardian. 
  • Despite these concerns, the UK government did suspend about 30 arms export licences in September 2024 after an assessment found a risk of serious violations of international humanitarian law. 
  • However, the suspension excluded F-35 aircraft components, which a High Court ruling later upheld as being a lawful government decision, despite concerns raised by the International Development Committee, notes UK Parliament’ 

See also more generally: