11 January 2024
London police have initiated an investigation into the allegations of Israel committing “war crimes,” Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
According to an Anadolu report, the move has led to diplomatic tensions between Israel and the UK, prompting Israel to protest the incident and express dissatisfaction, the report said.
The police have called on witnesses passing through airports in the UK to report war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza. The signs in English, Hebrew, and Arabic for passengers at UK airports reportedly say: “If you have been in Israel/Palestinian Territories and have witnessed or been a victim of terrorism, war crimes or crimes against humanity, then you can report this to the UK police.”
The poster added: “UK policing is supporting the work of the International Criminal Court, which is investigating alleged war crimes in Israel and Palestine from June 2014 onwards. Any evidence gathered may be shared with the ICC in support of their investigation.”
Israel has objected to British authorities about the investigation.
The report adds that the police defended the probe, saying that under an international agreement they are obliged to carry it out.
Under Article 9 of the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, any state party to the convention can file a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against a violating state.
South Africa filed a case at the ICJ on Dec. 29 accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention with its actions in Gaza since Oct. 7.
Due to the urgency of the situation, South African lawyers requested an interim measure from the ICJ, and during a hearing on Jan. 11, South African lawyers will present their case for the necessity of interim measures, while Israeli lawyers will do the same on Jan. 12.
