The UK’s new Labour government has decided to drop the challenge to arrest warrants sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. This decision overturns the previous government’s plan to challenge the ICC’s request. The Downing Street spokeswoman confirmed that the government believes it is a matter for the court to decide on independently.
Labour, under the leadership of former human rights lawyer Keir Starmer, has taken a firm stance on the issue, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza. The government has also announced the resumption of funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which was paused under the previous administration.
While the UK has backed down from challenging the arrest warrants, the United States remains set to challenge the ICC’s authority. The court is considering warrants not only for Netanyahu and Gallant but also for top Hamas leaders on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity.