Calls are growing for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate several British government ministers over their alleged role in aiding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, actions that have sparked widespread accusations of war crimes.
This demand follows the ICC’s recent application for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Prominent figures in the UK government, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, face allegations of providing material support to Israel during its military campaign in Gaza. This support is said to encompass:
Arms Exports: Documents reveal the UK maintained dozens of high-risk arms export licenses with Israel, which reportedly supplied components for weapons used in Gaza strikes.
Despite public outcry and casualties involving British citizens, these exports continued unabated.
Military Training: Israeli armed forces have received training in the UK, including participation in defence-led courses.
This ongoing collaboration raises questions about Britain’s direct involvement in supporting military operations during a period described as genocidal.
Surveillance Missions: The Royal Air Force has reportedly conducted over 200 surveillance flights over Gaza, amassing critical intelligence.
While officially justified as part of hostage rescue efforts, critics argue the data indirectly aids Israel’s military objectives rather than prioritising humanitarian outcomes.
Under the doctrine of “crown immunity,” British ministers are effectively insulated from domestic legal accountability, making international mechanisms like the ICC vital for addressing such allegations.
The ICC’s mandate includes prosecuting individuals for the most severe crimes when national systems fail to act.
The UK’s support for Israel’s actions extends beyond military assistance. Negotiations for a new trade agreement with Israel coincided with escalating violence in Gaza, reflecting a prioritisation of economic ties over accountability.
British ministers have also consistently dismissed claims of genocide brought against Israel at international forums.
The ICC has already moved to indict Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, including targeting civilians and using starvation as a weapon of war.
Advocates argue that this accountability must extend to individuals in allied nations whose actions have facilitated such crimes.
British ministers’ decisions, from arms exports to intelligence sharing, have been criticised as enabling violations of international law. The ICC now faces mounting pressure to investigate these activities as part of its broader mandate to uphold justice and human rights.
