JERSEY will continue to “support the UK” in its response to the “appalling atrocities” in Gaza, the External Relations Minister has said, when asked whether the Island is considering imposing sanctions against Israel.
Deputy Ian Gorst discussed the matter during a hearing of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel.
Chair of the Panel, Deputy Montfort Tadier, asked “what Jersey’s position is” in relation to the findings of the United Nation’s independent International Commission of Inquiry that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.
Deputy Gorst said: “The inquiry has made its report and that report goes to the UN.
“I think we all agree that what is currently happening is appalling, and the evidence that the inquiry has produced no doubt will be used in due course for members of the UN to make their decisions.”
“I will continue to make the same case that I have made throughout these appalling atrocities, which is that we will support the UK and agree with the UK’s position, to see an immediate cease fire, to see a long-term two-state solution, to see the release of the hostages.”
External Relations Minister Ian Gorst
Deputy Gorst continued: “We know there’s a Security Council meeting coming in fairly short order. We know that the UK has made its position clear about what it’s going to call for there but we also know, of course, that the UN itself said that the issue of genocide is something which is dealt with by the International Court.”
Deputy Tadier asked whether Deputy Gorst accepted “the finding that Israel is committing genocide”.
“It’s not for me to either accept or not accept, nor for anyone else,” Deputy Gorst responded.
“It is evidence that an inquiry set up by the UN has now produced its report, and that report, I’ve got no doubt, will lead to actions on behalf of members of the United Nations.
“We know the actions that the UK is already taking. We know the case of South Africa before the International Court, and that inquiry report will be used in in those processes.”
Deputy Tadier also referenced the European Union’s plans to restrict trade with Israel and impose sanctions – and asked whether Jersey is considering similar measures.
But Deputy Gorst noted that Jersey is not a sovereign state, adding that it was the UK “that will make decisions in regard to the matters that you are questioning me about”.
“I will continue to make the same case that I have made throughout these appalling atrocities, which is that we will support the UK and agree with the UK’s position, to see an immediate cease fire, to see a long-term two-state solution, to see the release of the hostages.”
