The UK’s Metropolitan Police Force is reviewing allegations involving British citizens accused of participating in war crimes during Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This comes amid increasing public and legal pressure to investigate foreign nationals who served in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and have since returned to their home countries.
Last week, a comprehensive 240-page dossier was submitted to the Metropolitan Police War Crimes Team by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and the Public Interest Law Centre. The report accuses 10 British citizens—some of whom are dual UK-Israeli nationals and former officers in the Israeli military—of being involved in serious violations of international law.
The alleged offenses reportedly took place between October 2023 and May 2024 and include the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, coordinated attacks on civilian infrastructure and medical facilities, indiscriminate bombing of populated areas, and the targeted killing of civilians and humanitarian aid workers.
The identities of the individuals named in the report have not been publicly disclosed. However, there is growing pressure on British authorities to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute UK nationals implicated in possible war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the conflict in Gaza.
A spokesperson from Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed to BBC News that the report has been received and “will now be assessed by specialist officers to determine whether any UK-based investigation may be required.” At present, however, no official investigation has been launched by UK authorities in relation to the current conflict.
The case highlights rising concern in the UK and other countries about the legal and ethical responsibilities of dual nationals and foreign fighters participating in overseas conflicts, especially when alleged violations of international humanitarian law are involved.
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