BBC Grills Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry On Legality of Israel’s Gaza Siege

Labour’s Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry sidestepped presenter Victoria Derbyshire’s insistent question on the legality of Israel’s “complete siege” on Gaza in a heated exchange on BBC Newsnight on Wednesday.

Derbyshire caught Thornberry in the open after the politician stressed the importance of democracies abiding by international law.

“What is simple is that whatever actions are taken by a democracy,” she said. “It has to be done in accordance with international law. And we have heard tonight from the President of the United States that he has been on the phone to Netanyahu and both of them have agreed that democracies need to act in accordance with international law.”

The presenter interrupted: “Pause there, if I may. Do you think cutting off food, water and electricity is within international law?”

“I think that Israel has an absolute right to defend itself against terrorism,” Thornberry deflected.

“That’s not the question I asked,” Derbyshire pushed back.

“It is an answer to the question that you’ve asked,” Thornberry insisted, “and I think it’s an appropriate one at this time.”

But the presenter pressed harder: “Why won’t you answer whether you think it’s in line with international law or not?”

Derbyshire’s pursuit of a straightforward answer remained unmet as Thornberry shifted towards the escalating ground realities and empathy for Israel’s ongoing posture amidst terrorism threats.

The situation in the Gaza Strip becomes increasingly dire day after day after Israel enacted a total blockade in retaliation for Saturday’s devastating Hamas attack on the country. Israel has cut off all supplies of food, water and fuel in preparation for a ground invasion.