British MP calls for accountability over Gaza attacks, criticizes UK's complicity with Israel

By Zuhal Demirci

LONDON (AA) - An independent British MP has filed a complaint with the Dutch-based International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute Israel's war crimes in Gaza. Claudia Webbe says that all the parties involved in the attacks on Gaza, including international accomplices of Israel, should face trial.

Speaking to Anadolu, Webbe told Anadolu about arguments that Britain is an accomplice due to the destruction and humanitarian crisis caused by the attacks in Gaza, and the political and military support provided by the UK.

Expressing dismay over the situation in Gaza, Webbe stressed the devastating nature of Israel's attacks on Gaza for over 160 days, calling it horrendous.

Webbe highlighted that the International Court of Justice has found that these attacks carry a reasonable risk of genocide, adding: "We are in the (Muslim holy) month of Ramadan. There is no break or cease-fire. This is absolutely destructive."

Webbe also said Israel, through its crippling blockade of humanitarian aid, uses hunger as a weapon of war and that the bombings and airstrikes on civilians in Gaza continue, resulting in more loss of life daily, especially affecting women and children.

Webbe urged an immediate ceasefire, calling for Israel to stop its bombing and persecution of the people of Gaza.

Her official complaint to the world court, made last December, called for an investigation and prosecution of Israel's war crimes, including genocide and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people.

She said those responsible for the attacks on Gaza and harm to civilians should face trial in criminal courts to be held accountable for their actions.

Webbe said she specifically holds the Israeli government, including key figures like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and all Cabinet members, responsible for directing these actions and causing harm to the people of Gaza.

- UK support for Israel, arms supplies

Decrying the UK’s political and military support for Israel, Webbe said it is clear that since last Oct. 7, when Israel’s offensive began after a cross-border raid by Hamas, the UK has not only protected Israel but has also been an accomplice in supplying weapons to Israel for some time.

Webbe stressed the need for the UK to stop arming Israel, stating that despite this, the country continues to issue arms sale licenses to Israel and provide military aid.

She said that these actions by the UK amount to complicity in genocide committed against civilians in Gaza and that this must end immediately.

Webbe called on the British government to halt arms aid to Israel, impose immediate sanctions, and support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in providing essential food and resources to Gaza residents.

Anadolu also presented to Webbe its book The Evidence, which documents Israel's war crimes, including the use of white phosphorus in attacks on Gaza.

Webbe thanked Anadolu for the book and all the work that went into preparing it.

- Deadly offensive

Israel has waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed.

Nearly 32,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in Gaza, and nearly 74,200 injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

The Israeli war, now in its 167th day, has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of most food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which in January issued an interim ruling ordering Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.