Istanbul tribunal hears evidence of UK complicity in Gaza genocide

The Gaza Tribunal concluded its four-day session in Istanbul with Friday's proceedings focusing on international accountability mechanisms and allegations of British involvement in Israel's military operations. The tribunal heard testimony from former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who participated remotely and presented evidence detailing the United Kingdom's role in supplying military equipment and intelligence support to Israel during the Gaza genocide.

British Complicity Allegations

Corbyn cited testimony from British medical workers returning from Gaza who described conditions they characterized as "a textbook case of genocide." He referenced UK parliamentarian Alicia Kearns' warnings about potential ministerial complicity through weapons supplies, intelligence sharing, and operational support based in Cyprus. Corbyn also alleged systematic media suppression, claiming British news organizations largely failed to report the full impact of the situation in Gaza while Foreign Office officials received instructions to downplay the severity in official reports.

International Criminal Court Criticisms

Liverpool John Moores University law scholar Triestino Mariniello addressed the tribunal's session, describing the International Criminal Court as "the only avenue for justice" despite what he characterized as years of delays and political interference. Mariniello highlighted medical shortages in Gaza, stating that "10 children on a daily basis are subject to amputation of one or more limbs without anesthetics." He criticized the ICC's narrow focus in current arrest warrant requests and noted that US sanctions against court officials during the Trump administration had weakened the institution's capacity to function effectively.

Tribunal Composition and Objectives

The Istanbul proceedings represent the culmination of a year-long effort by international jurists, scholars, and civil society representatives to document alleged crimes against Palestinians. Presided over by Richard Falk, former UN special rapporteur on human rights in Palestinian territories, the tribunal aims to create a comprehensive "people's record" of events in Gaza. The jury of conscience includes prominent international figures including Kenize Mourad, Christine Chinkin, and Ghada Karmi, who will evaluate evidence presented throughout the four-day session covering starvation, environmental destruction, and targeting of civilian infrastructure.