Last Thursday, judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and the reportedly deceased Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, commonly known as Deif, commander-in-chief of the military wing of Hamas.
The ICC is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. It is actively investigating allegations of the gravest crimes in countries around the world, including Ukraine, Sudan, and Libya.
In line with the UK Labour Government’s absolute commitment to the rule of law, we respect the independence of the ICC and will comply with our international obligations.
There is a domestic legal process through our independent courts that determines whether to endorse an arrest warrant by the ICC in accordance with the International Criminal Court Act 2001. That process has never been tested because an ICC indictee has never visited the UK. If such a visit were to occur, there would be a court process, and due process would be followed in relation to those issues.
The UK Labour government has also been clear that there is no moral equivalence between Israel, a democracy, and organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which are designated terrorist groups. Israel’s right to defend itself under international law is recognised and supported.
We continue to actively and strenuously push for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, ensure the release of hostages, and facilitate the delivery of critical aid to Gaza to ease the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the region, particularly as winter approaches.
The UK Labour government has consistently called for Israel to ease restrictions on aid access and is working with international partners to increase the flow of humanitarian relief into Gaza and the broader region. Again, we have reiterated the need to implement UN Resolution 1701 to bring stability to the region.
We continue to urge the Israeli government not to implement its Knesset Bill on UNRWA. This legislation risks making UNRWA‘s essential work for Palestinians impossible, jeopardising the entire international humanitarian response in Gaza and the delivery of critical health and education services in the West Bank.
Diplomatic efforts remain central to ending the violence, with a focus on de-escalation across Gaza, Lebanon, and the wider region. The UK Labour government will continue to engage all parties, including those indicted by the ICC, in the pursuit of a peaceful resolution.
Whilst respecting the ICC’s independence, the UK Labour government’s priority remains addressing the immediate needs of those affected and ensuring that international law and humanitarian principles guide its actions. This is a time for serious, focused diplomacy to alleviate suffering and work towards lasting peace.
The UK Labour government’s commitment to a two-state solution remains unwavering. A sovereign Palestinian state must coexist alongside a secure and peaceful Israel, with mutual respect for human rights and international law. This remains the only path forward to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.
We have been and are taking action in accordance with our commitments under international humanitarian law, and we will continue to do so.
Read all my recent statements on the situation in the Middle East below: