The Hague-based court issued the warrants for Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and the leader of Hamas, following allegations of war crimes in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the Israeli leader could face arrest if he enters the UK.
The Hague-based court issued the warrants for Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and the leader of Hamas, following allegations of war crimes in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
In response to the warrant, a spokesperson for Downing Street confirmed that the UK government respects the independence of the ICC and would be obliged to detain Netanyahu if he arrives on British soil.
While the government reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself, it firmly stated there is no “moral equivalence” between Netanyahu and terrorist organizations such as Hamas.
The UK, along with 123 other member states of the ICC, is bound by international law to uphold the court’s rulings, raising questions about the potential ramifications for Netanyahu’s future visits to the country.
Mail Online reports that the ICC arrest warrant must first be ratified by a UK court before it takes effect.
Last month, Mr. Lammy told MPs that Labour “continues to support the ICC,” emphasizing the need for both the ICC and the ICJ to function without political interference.
Attorney General Lord Hermer stated in a newspaper interview that the government would not undermine the ICC’s work and would “comply with our lawful obligations.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel called the warrant “deeply concerning and provocative,” urging the Labour Government to condemn and challenge the ICC’s decision.
The warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are based on allegations that Israel used food as a weapon in its actions against Hamas in Gaza—charges Israeli officials deny.
Experts warn that hunger in Gaza has reached widespread levels, potentially nearing famine, particularly in the northern regions under siege by Israeli forces.
The ICC’s decision came as the death toll from Israel’s Gaza campaign surpassed 44,000, with local health authorities reporting that over half of the victims were women and children.
However, the figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Netanyahu condemned the arrest warrant, dismissing it as “absurd and false.” His office issued a statement, defending Israel’s actions in Gaza as just.
The warrant puts Netanyahu and others on the list of internationally wanted suspects, which may further isolate them and complicate ceasefire negotiations.
However, the practical implications could be limited, as both Israel and its key ally, the United States, are not members of the ICC.
When asked whether the UK would comply with the warrant, a spokesman for the Prime Minister responded, “We remain focused on pushing for an immediate ceasefire to end the devastating violence.”
The process for the warrant’s endorsement in the UK involves a legal review under the International Criminal Court Act 2001.
The spokesman added, “We respect the independence of the ICC. Israel has the right to defend itself under international law. There is no moral equivalence between Israel, a democracy, and Hamas or Hezbollah, which are terrorist organizations.”
He reaffirmed the UK’s focus on securing a ceasefire to protect civilians, release hostages, and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces growing pressure to support the warrant, with some members of his party, including former left-wing figures, urging action.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, described the warrant as an “important development,” though it comes “far too late for the 44,000 already killed in Gaza.”
She urged the UK government to comply with the ICC and end its complicity in war crimes.
Richard Burgon, the Secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group, expressed support for the arrest warrants, calling for the UK government to enforce them and for sanctions to be imposed on Israel to prevent further war crimes.