AN escalation in UK sanctions toward Israel would “automatically” take effect in Jersey, the External Relations Minister said during a tense exchange at a Scrutiny hearing about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Deputy Ian Gorst also told Deputy Montford Tadier, chair of the Economic and International Affairs Panel, that he stood by his controversial decision to remove the mention of “potential acts of genocide” in a letter sent to Parliament in March.
Much debate time in a February States Assembly meeting was devoted to discussion about what would – and would not – be included in the letter, stating Jersey’s position, which was sent to UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Mike Freer on 13 March.
Deputy Gorst also removed reference to a “two-state solution” in his amendments, which he said had been problematic “for a number of Islanders”.
The minister further revealed in yesterday’s hearing that since the letter had been sent, he has discussed with the UK minister responsible for liaison between Jersey and the UK government “our desire to see a ceasefire and return of hostages”.
Deputy Gorst said he had “followed up” that conversation with another letter, “sending again” the terms agreed in the States Assembly.
Deputy Tadier began his line of questioning by asking the minister to comment on the UK’s decision of 2 September to suspend some arms export licences to Israel.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said there was a “clear risk” the equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international law.
The UK acts on Jersey’s behalf when it comes to foreign policy, Deputy Gorst explained, saying: “We continue to support a ceasefire and the return of the hostages, and we support the UK in seeking to deliver that.”
Deputy Tadier pressed the minister on whether he could be sure that the Island has “any financial structures or vehicles that might be used to fund arms to Israel or be involved in profits of sales from arms sold to Israel for use in Gaza”.
Deputy Gorst said he was “not aware” of non-UK companies selling arms to Israel and putting profits into Jersey.
“I’m not sure how it could, with our regulation and structure, occur. I don’t think it could,” he said.
Deputy Tadier asked: “Is there any wider consideration of whether UK sanctions toward Israel were to increase? Would you monitor that?”
“They would automatically have enforcement in Jersey,” Deputy Gorst said.
In June, the Chief Minister said in response to a petition calling for a ceasefire that his government remained “very concerned” about the “deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza”.
More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israeli military action, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
