UK PM Keir Starmer supports the ICC's arrest warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The UK may detain Netanyahu if he visits, pending court ratification. Netanyahu denies the charges, calling the actions unjust. Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens amid rising death tolls.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has endorsed the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC issued the warrant over allegations of using food as a weapon in Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant face accusations linked to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with experts warning of famine conditions in parts of the region.
Under international law, the UK and 123 other ICC member states are now obligated to detain Netanyahu if he enters their territories. While the UK government respects the ICC’s independence, a UK court must ratify the warrant for it to be enforceable.
Downing Street clarified there is no moral equivalence between Netanyahu, a democratically elected leader, and terrorist organizations, reiterating Israel's right to self-defense. However, Netanyahu condemned the ICC's actions, labeling them "absurd and false." He defended Israel’s military campaign, calling it a just war against Hamas.
The ICC’s move has significant implications, making Netanyahu an internationally wanted suspect and potentially complicating negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. The death toll from the conflict has exceeded 44,000, with local authorities reporting that more than half of the casualties are women and children.
When questioned about arresting Netanyahu, the UK government emphasized its focus on securing a ceasefire to end the escalating violence.
