Image Credits: The Times of Israel
New UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is poised to reverse the British government’s stance on the ICC’s request for an Israeli arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a New York Times report. This change represents a significant shift in UK policy towards the Gaza conflict and a departure from the traditional US position.
Citing two unnamed sources briefed on the government’s deliberations, the report suggests Britain is now backing an ICC prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant against Netanyahu. The development marks a significant departure from the British government’s earlier stance of opposing such initiatives with the United States.
This change follows recent moves by the new Labor government to restore vital funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Funding was suspended in January after Israel made baseless accusations of “terrorism” against UNRWA staff. The continued aid underlines a wider shift in Britain’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under Starmer.
Currently, the United States is the only major country blocking funding for UNRWA and continues to oppose the ICC’s request to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Washington’s stance on these issues has been controversial in its foreign policy approach to the Gaza crisis.
The expected change in UK policy is likely to affect the international diplomatic dynamic surrounding the Gaza conflict. It reflects a broader realignment in how major Western allies deal with the humanitarian and legal aspects of the situation. The move also highlights the growing rift between British and US Middle East policy.
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely watching how these political changes affect ongoing diplomatic efforts and the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.