The British government has decided not to oppose the International Criminal Court's application for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The UK's new Labour government confirmed that they will not pursue the proposal put forth by the previous government, stating that it is a matter for the court to decide on.
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. If the warrants are granted, Netanyahu and others could face arrest when traveling to ICC member countries.
Israel has faced criticism for its military campaign in Gaza, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction. The UK's Labour party, led by Keir Starmer, has been under pressure to take a tougher stance on the Gaza war.
US Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged not to remain silent on the human suffering in Gaza, following her meeting with Netanyahu in Washington. The White House has also been urged to address the plight of Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict.
Israel and the United States are not ICC members, but the court claims jurisdiction over Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. The charges against Netanyahu and Gallant include causing extermination, starvation as a method of war, and deliberately targeting civilians in conflict.
Israeli officials have strongly condemned the ICC's application, with Netanyahu calling it a political outrage and President Isaac Herzog describing it as beyond outrageous.
