Law Society supports IBA statement on Israel and Gaza conflict

The Law Society of Scotland has today supported the International Bar Association condemnation of the attacks by Hamas along with its call for urgent talks to restore peace.

The Law Society’s Council at its meeting today supported the IBA's statement this week calling the attacks a violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Sheila Webster, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “The attacks and ongoing conflict have led to unimaginable suffering for thousands of civilians throughout the region.

“Like the International Bar Association, the Law Society condemns the attacks by Hamas, which is a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law, against Israel.

“The Geneva Convention states that civilians in time of war should in all circumstances be treated humanely. It expressly prohibits acts against people taking no part in the hostilities, including violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture; taking of hostages; outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment.

“It is vital that the international community, non-state actors, the state of Israel, the Palestinian Authorities, and states in the region respect the rule of law and human rights. We hope they take the utmost steps to bring about an immediate and peaceful end to this war.”