of Public Interest Lawyers (PIL), challenging the UK government over its failure to fulfil its obligations under international law with respect to Israel’s activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

On 1 April 2009, Sir Andrew Collins of the High Court of Justice in London requested a preliminary hearing by the Divisional Court to address Al-Haq’s ability to judicially review UK’s foreign policy towards the State of Israel, particularly in light of Operation Cast Lead. The hearing will address the issue of justiciability, as the UK Government has argued that the UK courts should not rule on matters of foreign policy. The Court will be asked to reject this argument as outdated and accept that the case is seeking adjudication on the legality of the UK Government’s actions, and inaction, in the relation to egregious and established breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law committed by the State of Israel.

A press conference will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday 18 June outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London.

This hearing is of great importance, and any support you can offer is most welcome. Aside from actually attending the hearing, it would be greatly appreciated if you could forward this press release to any other parties you think may be interested. Please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments.

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