UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Supports ICC Arrest Warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu, Upholds Court’s Independence

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that he would face arrest if he enters the UK.

The ICC, based in The Hague, issued warrants against Netanyahu, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and the leader of Hamas, on allegations of war crimes linked to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

In response to the warrant, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the UK government’s respect for the ICC’s autonomy and stated that the UK would be obliged to detain Netanyahu if he arrives on British soil.

While affirming Israel’s right to self-defence, the UK government clarified there is no “moral equivalence” between Israel and Hamas, which is labeled a terrorist organization.

The UK, a member of the ICC, is bound by international law to uphold the court’s rulings. This raises questions regarding the possible impact on Netanyahu’s future visits to the country, as the ICC arrest warrant must first be approved by a UK court.

Last month, Labour MP David Lammy emphasized the party’s ongoing support for the ICC, underscoring the necessity of an independent and non-politicized court. Meanwhile, Attorney General Lord Hermer affirmed that the UK would not undermine the ICC and would comply with its obligations under the law.

The warrants, based on allegations that Israel used food as a weapon in its operations against Hamas in Gaza, have been denied by Israeli officials. The situation in Gaza has worsened, with hunger levels rising, particularly in the northern regions under Israeli siege.

As of the latest reports, the death toll from the ongoing conflict in Gaza has surpassed 44,000, with over half of the victims being women and children, although the figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Netanyahu has condemned the arrest warrant as “absurd” and “false,” defending Israel’s actions in Gaza as legitimate.

The ICC’s decision puts Netanyahu and others on the list of internationally wanted individuals, which could further isolate them and complicate efforts to reach a ceasefire.

Despite this, the practical consequences of the warrant may be limited since both Israel and its close ally, the United States, are not ICC members.

A UK government spokesperson reaffirmed that the priority remains securing an immediate ceasefire to end the violence in Gaza, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian aid.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure from within his party, with some members advocating for support of the ICC’s actions. MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy called the warrant “an important development,” though she noted it comes too late for the thousands already killed. Richard Burgon, a member of the Socialist Campaign Group, expressed support for the warrants, urging the UK government to enforce them and to impose sanctions on Israel to prevent further war crimes.