British Nationals Under Investigation for Gaza War Crimes: Full Legal Breakdown
- England International Affairs Israel Middle East Palestine
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 3 minutes read
A group of prominent human rights lawyers, led by Michael Mansfield KC, will submit a comprehensive dossier to the Metropolitan Police’s war crimes unit, accusing 10 British nationals of committing war crimes while serving with the Israeli military in Gaza. The 240-page report, prepared by a team of UK lawyers and researchers based in The Hague, alleges that these individuals were involved in targeted killings of civilians and aid workers, indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, and other serious offences. The report accuses the 10 Britons of various war crimes, including:
– Targeted Killings: The suspects allegedly targeted civilians and aid workers, including through sniper fire.
– Indiscriminate Attacks: The report claims that the individuals were involved in indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, such as hospitals.
– Coordinated Attacks on Protected Sites: The suspects allegedly coordinated attacks on protected sites, including historic monuments and religious landmarks.
– Forced Transfer and Displacement: The report accuses the individuals of forced transfer and displacement of civilians.
The report is based on open-source evidence and witness testimony, which together form a “compelling” case. One witness at a medical facility described corpses “scattered on the ground” in the hospital courtyard, with many buried in a mass grave. They also recounted a bulldozer “running over a dead body,” desecrating the deceased, and demolishing part of the hospital. The report asserts that Britain has an obligation under international treaties to investigate and prosecute individuals who have committed “core international crimes.” According to Section 51 of the International Criminal Court Act 2001, it is an offence under the law of England and Wales for anyone to commit genocide, a crime against humanity, or a war crime, regardless of where the act occurs.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 people, the majority of whom were civilians. Israel launched its military campaign in response to Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which more than 1,200 people, primarily civilians, were killed and an additional 250 taken hostage. The Metropolitan Police’s war crimes unit will investigate the allegations, and if found guilty, the 10 Britons could face prosecution. The report has been signed by scores of legal and human rights experts, who urge the war crimes team to investigate the complaints. This case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of where they occur. The investigation and potential prosecution of these war crimes will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future cases.
