The International Center for Justice for Palestine has presented evidence about Israeli and British officials being involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. They plan to take this evidence to the International Criminal Court for Justice and the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom.
Press Conference and Prosecution Process
During a press conference, the Director of the International Center for Justice, Tayyab Ali, and Heidi Dijkstall, Head of International Law at Before Row Chambers, explained the prosecution process. They also mentioned that they support the confidentiality of investigations by Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan Police's investigative unit.
Confidentiality and Investigations
Heidi Dixtal, a senior advisor at the International Justice Center for Palestine, emphasized the importance of allowing Scotland Yard to conduct investigations freely and without any pressure or interference. They want to make sure that the evidence is thoroughly examined.
Announcement of Involved Individuals
At this stage of the investigation, it is not possible to predict when the names of those involved will be announced. The evidence includes eyewitness accounts, photographs, and other proof of crimes committed against civilians, civilian property, and infrastructure in Gaza.
Involvement of Prominent Politicians
The evidence also implicates at least four prominent politicians, including government ministers, in war crimes. The International Center for Justice for Palestine submitted a referral to the Metropolitan Police, which included a file of 70 papers related to the involvement of nine British citizens fighting with the Israeli army in Gaza.
Meeting with Scotland Yard
Last week, the International Center for Justice for Palestine had a secret meeting with Scotland Yard. During this meeting, hard drives and evidence files were handed over to Scotland Yard's war crimes unit. The purpose was to analyze the information and provide evidence of war crimes in Israel and Gaza.
Ban on Arms Export
Lawyer Alice Hardy is challenging the British Department of Trade and Business, which allows the export of arms to Israel. They argue that this violates British law, which requires a halt in arms exports if there is a breach of international laws or the possibility of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Legal Action and Lawsuit
The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and the Palestinian Al-Haq Foundation are handling the case against the British government. They believe that anyone, including organizations outside the United Kingdom, has the right to file a lawsuit if it involves a violation of British law. The lawsuit aims to stop the granting of arms export licenses to Israel.
Urgent Petition to the Court
The defense team is working on submitting an urgent petition to the court. Although there is no clear timeline for the lawsuit, they are determined to take the necessary steps to halt the export of weapons to Israel.
Investigation by Scotland Yard
Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Police War Crimes Team received a referral regarding allegations linked to the Israeli war on Gaza. They will evaluate the information and decide whether further action or an official investigation is necessary.
Guidelines and Extradition
British law allows the Counter Terrorism Command to investigate war crimes committed outside the United Kingdom if they breach the international Geneva Convention. The law also enables the extradition of criminals to face justice and the prosecution of British citizens involved in war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Support and Reassurance
UK Counter-Terrorism Commander Dominic Murphy wants to reassure the public that they take war crimes referrals seriously. They have clear guidelines that they follow when evaluating such cases. The unit even provides a link on their official website for people to report testimonies or evidence related to war crimes.
Supporting Victims and Families
Murphy also mentioned that they are focused on supporting victims and witnesses who report crimes. They understand the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and aim to provide essential international support. They also want to support UK families affected by the terrorist attacks in Israel.
