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Jeremy Corbyn's Gaza briefing to Labour MPs accuses IDF of 'war crimes'
One MP brands it 'disgustingly one sided'
June 27, 2018 12:01
One MP brands it 'disgustingly one sided'
June 27, 2018 12:01A briefing document sent by Jeremy Corbyn's office to Labour MPs on Gaza accused the IDF of "war crimes" in the recent border violence, the JC has learned.
Despite evidence that Hamas ordered thousands of Gazans to try and breach the border fences with Israel, often using violent methods, Mr Corbyn's briefing accuses the IDF of "wilful killings" and "war crimes" in the violence that has left scores of Palestinians dead and many more injured in recent weeks.
One Labour MP told the JC they found the document, sent to all Labour MPs ahead of a parliamentary debate, "disgustingly one sided."
Another said: "It could have been written by Jeremy's 'friends' in Hamas."
The notes, which were sent to the JC, were designed to guide the Labour MPs to condemn how Israel's military dealt with the 'March of Return' demonstrations during a Westminster Hall debate on Gaza on Tuesday.
Assessing the background to the recent protests, the Labour document does not mention any Hamas involvement in the planning of the weekly marches, stating: "Since March 30, a Palestinian movement (called the Great March of Return') has been marching on the border between Israel and Gaza to protest against Israel's illegal blockage of the area and the humanitarian crisis it is helping to fuel."
It adds: "The protests were largely peaceful, although they regularly featured stone-throwing and the rolling of tyres at the border fence."
The notes later suggest an acceptance that "while some protesters in Gaza may have engaged in some form of violence it does not justify the use of live ammunition."
It also makes the allegation: "Israeli forces appear to be committing wilful killings, constituting war crimes."
Mr Corbyn's briefing notes states that the protests were taking place to mark the 70th anniversary of the so-called Palestinian 'Nakba' and called Israel's foundation in 1948 "the start of the process by which thousands of Palestinians were cleared from their homes to make way for the new Jewish state, founded the day before."
Referring to "the illegal Israeli-blockade on Gaza's coast", the document then refers to the chronic electricity shortage in the region - but fails to mention that the Palestinian Authority are responsible for the supply of only three or four hours each day.
The document also stresses it is important Labour MPs refer to Mr Corbyn's statement on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, which called on the UK government to provide extra funding in the wake of President Trump's decision to reduce aid.