MPs back Corbyn's 'Chilcot-style' inquiry on UK Gaza involvement

A coalition of MPs from across the UK's parliament have signed a letter calling for the establishment of an inquiry into Britain's involvement in Israel's war on Gaza.

The letter, drafted by former Labour leader turned independent MP Jeremy Corbyn, was signed by over 30 MPs from Labour, Green, Plaid Cymru, SNP, Sinn Fein and the Independent Alliance parliamentary faction.

"Britain has played a highly influential role in Israel's military operations, including the sale of weapons, the supply of intelligence and the use of Royal Air Force (RAF) bases in Cyprus," the letter read.

"We are demanding an independent, public inquiry into the UK's involvement in Israel's military assault on Gaza," the letter said, referencing the Chilcot inquiry into the UK's involvement in the US-led Iraq war, adding "this inquiry should establish what decisions have been taken, how these decisions have been made, and what consequences they have had".

The letter also called for the cooperation of all government ministers involved since October 2023 saying that "these charges will not go away until there is a comprehensive inquiry with the legal power to establish the truth", in reference to allegations that the UK has provided Israel with assistance in its war. 

Sian Berry, a Green MP, said she supported the letter in a post on X: "Given the Government's continued refusal to end arms sales to Israel, it is vital that an independent inquiry into the UK's involvement in the assault on Gaza is carried out."

Likewise, Daire Hughes, MP for Sinn Fein, said on X that the party would "continue to call for a lasting peaceful settlement that leads to an independent Palestinian state, and an end to the genocide, occupation and collective punishment."

Corbyn, who proclaimed on X that "we will campaign for as long as it takes to establish the truth", has consistently urged the government to take a stronger stance over Israel's war on Gaza alongside four other independent MPs in parliament.

The war, which has been ongoing since October 2023, has seen Israel kill over 60,000 Palestinians and reduced much of the enclave to rubble, including key infrastructure like hospitals and water wells.

Its conduct has led to accusations of genocide, with the International Court of Justice presiding over a case on the issue brought about by South Africa.

Likewise, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Th UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has previously told The New Arab that RAF flights do not have a combat role and are focused on securing Israeli captives currently held by Hamas following its attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.

Additionally, the MoD affirms that information is only passed onto Israel if the ministry is "satisfied" that such information will only be used in accordance with international law.