Tribunal Probes UK Role in Gaza Conflict

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

At the opening session of an independent Gaza tribunal in London, Oxford University surgeon Prof. Nick Maynard accused the British government of failing the people of Gaza by allowing F-35 jets containing British parts to bomb children on whom he was operating. The two-day tribunal, which operates independently of both government and parliament, aims to gather evidence on Britain’s involvement in what organizers describe as Israeli war crimes amounting to genocide.

Examining Alleged Complicity

Chaired by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn alongside two UK-based academics, the tribunal is structured to examine alleged atrocities in Gaza, the UK’s legal responsibilities, possible covert support for Israel, and whether the government’s actions align with international obligations to prevent genocide.

Maynard, giving evidence on Thursday, called it “unconscionable” that Britain had not ended its role in what he described as deliberate attacks on Gaza’s children. Having worked extensively in hospitals across Gaza, he dismissed claims that medical facilities were being used as Hamas command centers, arguing there was no credible evidence to support such assertions.

Evidence from the Ground

The surgeon testified that he had previously submitted evidence to the British government about the targeting of health workers and patterns of injuries suggesting Israeli soldiers were engaging in target practice. He described a “daily clustering of injuries” among teenage boys — particularly to the testicles, chest, and abdomen — which he said was “beyond coincidence.”

Dr. Victoria Rose, a consultant plastic surgeon at St Thomas’ Hospital in London who has traveled to Gaza three times, also shared her experience. She recounted operating on children under the age of 10 without anesthetic and noted that Israel routinely blocked 60–90% of medical volunteers from entering Gaza. She reported losing half a stone during her 28 days of treating severely injured patients, often children with catastrophic injuries such as lost limbs and severe burns.

Broader Context and Legal Implications

Francesca Albanese, the UN Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied territories, said the British government had failed in its obligation to end the occupation of Palestine, which had been declared illegal in July 2024 by the international court of justice.

The UK government has maintained that the complexity of available information prevents it from assigning responsibility for specific incidents. However, Emily Tripp, director of London-based not-for-profit Airwars, challenged this stance, noting her small team had documented responsibility in 1,300 incidents of civilian harm.

Source: The Guardian

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting