UK Refuses to Contest ICC’s Request for Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu and Gallant

The United Kingdom has announced that it will not pursue efforts ⁣to question the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in issuing arrest ⁤warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister‌ Yoav Gallant.

During a press briefing on⁤ Friday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson confirmed that ⁤the⁤ government will not be moving forward with the proposal, citing the belief that it is a⁣ matter for the ⁢court to decide.

This ‍decision marks a departure from the plans‌ of former Prime⁤ Minister Rishi Sunak, who had intended to⁢ challenge the warrant.

In May, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for alleged war crimes committed during Israel’s conflict with Gaza. Additionally, warrants were sought for three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes during attacks on ⁢southern Israel.

Court documents revealed that the UK, as an⁢ ICC member, ⁢had submitted a ⁤request to provide ‌written ⁢observations on the court’s ‍jurisdiction over Israeli ‌nationals in light⁣ of the Oslo Accords.

Under Sunak’s government, the UK had obtained court approval to⁤ present arguments before the general elections on July ‌4, which the Conservatives ⁣lost.

Following a landslide victory, the ⁢Labour Party and its new administration‌ have signaled a shift⁤ in policies from the⁢ previous government.

According to Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara, ‌the UK government’s decision reflects an understanding that supporting Israel does not equate ⁤to supporting individuals like this alleged war criminal.

Original from www.aljazeera.com