STATEMENT
The Muslim Council of Britain today called for the UK to uphold international law and endorse the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s decision to seek arrest warrants for alleged war crimes committed in Israel and Gaza. The ICC operates as an independent judicial body, and its autonomy must be respected.
International law is a cornerstone of a rules based world order, and to date our government has been a loud advocate of that order for many years. As a signatory to the Rome Statute, the UK should let the law run its course rather than let political expediency decide.
Given these serious allegations, alongside considerations made by the International Court of Justice, and the undeniable fact that tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed before our very eyes, it is imperative that our government ceases selling arms or engaging in trade with Israel immediately.
Furthermore, those who have provided cover for Israel’s actions in Gaza—whether they are politicians or media commentators—must reflect on their support in light of these grave accusations of genocide and war crimes. It is a time for introspection and accountability for all parties involved.
[ENDS]