Jersey’s Chief Minister has said that his government is prepared to speak to the new UK Prime Minister about the conflict in Gaza, as he was yesterday asked about the “exceptionally grave” findings of an independent United Nations investigative body examining civilian harm in the region.
Responding to questions in the States Assembly yesterday, Senator Lyndon Farnham condemned “the killing, suffering, forced displacement and profound psychological harm suffered by Palestinian children”, as well as “all conduct that targets civilians on any side”.
He spoke after Deputy Tom Coles cited some of the recent findings of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which concluded that “the Israeli government and security forces have deliberately carried out acts inflicting death and severe bodily and mental harm on hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children”.
I condemn, without reservation, the killing, suffering, forced displacement and profound psychological harm suffered by Palestinian children, and I equally condemn all conduct that targets civilians on any side
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham
The Commission’s report also stated that it had “reasonable grounds to conclude that these acts form part of a deliberate strategy to destroy the future of the Palestinians in Gaza by targeting their children”.
Daniel Meron, the permanent representative of Israel to the UN, has stated that the country “categorically rejects” the Commission of Inquiry’s “libelous rant”, which he said “spreads the malicious genocide narrative”.
Deputy Coles asked whether the Chief Minister was “prepared to use his voice to condemn the genocide happening in Palestine?”
“I share the Deputy’s profound concern for civilians and particularly children in Gaza,” Senator Farnham replied, describing the report’s findings as “exceptionally grave”.
“The Commission concluded that Israeli authorities and security forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children, and that this conduct resulted in genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Gaza,” he continued.
“I condemn, without reservation, the killing, suffering, forced displacement and profound psychological harm suffered by Palestinian children, and I equally condemn all conduct that targets civilians on any side.”
Senator Farnham reminded Members that the Commission is an independent United Nations investigative body and that “the final judicial determination of genocide remains a matter for the competent international courts”.
But he added that this did not lessen “the seriousness of the Commission’s evidence or conclusions”, which “cannot be ignored”.
“Israel has the right to defend its population against terrorism. However, that must be exercised in accordance with international law,” he continued.
I have consistently spoken out where I believe international humanitarian law has been breached, and I will continue to do so
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham
“Nothing can justify the death and suffering to civilians on such a devastating scale.
“While Jersey does not determine foreign policy, we are not prevented from speaking out in support of international law and fundamental humanitarian principles.
“We must continue to advocate for the immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, a permanent ceasefire and a diplomatic settlement that delivers a lasting peace, security, dignity and justice for both the Palestinian and the Israeli peoples.”
Deputy Coles also asked whether Senator Farnham would write to the next UK prime minister on the matter, as Jersey had done previously to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy last year, and Guernsey to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
“I have consistently spoken out where I believe international humanitarian law has been breached, and I will continue to do so,” the Chief Minister answered.
“In discussions with UK ministers on this topic, I have reaffirmed Jersey’s support for the UK applying all means at its disposal to ensure this happens, working with international partners and local organisations to get help where it is most needed.
“I will follow up this discussion with the External Relations Minister and it’s certainly something we would be prepared to mention to the new [UK] administration, when we meet with them.”
Jersey has had very little influence on international policy, but we still have our own voice and it’s important that we use that voice in the right way
Deputy Tom Coles
Speaking to Express, Deputy Coles said: “The exchange of knowledge between anywhere should always be encouraged because you can’t live in isolation.”
Commenting of yesterday’s States sitting, he added: “Jersey has had very little influence on international policy, but we still have our own voice and it’s important that we use that voice in the right way.”
