Met to assess war crimes claims about British nationals in Israeli military
The Metropolitan Police will assess whether to investigate allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity made against 10 British nationals who served in the Israeli military.
The individuals are accused of targeted killing of civilians and aid workers in Gaza between October 2023 and May 2024.
British nationals were also involved in attacks on civilian areas including hospitals and protected areas such as historical monuments and religious sites, a 240-page report filed with the Met Police claims.
A Counter-Terrorism Policing spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that we received a referral from a group of lawyers on Monday April 7.
'As is the case with all such referrals, this will now be assessed by specialist officers to determine whether any UK-based investigation may be required.
'The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact communities in the UK and internationally, and we recognise the strength of feeling on all sides.
'We remain focused on supporting victims and witnesses who report core international crimes, as well as supporting the UK families of those directly affected by the terrorist attacks in Israel.'
The suspects, who the lawyers did not publicly identify citing legal reasons, are said to include individuals at officer level and Israeli dual nationals.
Human rights barrister Michael Mansfield KC, part of the team of legal experts who lodged the report, said: 'Over the years, the efficacy of the system the UK established is slowly failing.
'We are standing on the brink of collapse of the order. Israel has taken it upon themselves to act on the impunity that nothing is going to happen to them.
'It's dire. But it doesn't have to be this way.'
The Met said it has received around 180 referrals related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict since it began on October 7 2023.
There has not been a UK-based investigation into any matters related to the conflict yet.
Paul Heron, PILC legal director, said: 'There are definitely unique challenges to expect from this investigation.
'I have worked with the Met Police War Crimes Unit before, and I absolutely expect them to investigate. They have a duty to investigate.
'It could take two or three years. It's not going to be simple.'
The report, filed on behalf of Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC), includes testimony from witnesses in Gaza.
A witness, whose relatives were killed in an Israeli attack, said: 'I could not bear what I saw: dead bodies scattered next to each other.
'I took off the cover and saw the bodies of my uncle and his son, my nephews, and my brother-in-law.'
Another witness at a medical facility said they saw corpses 'scattered on the ground, especially in the middle of the hospital courtyard, where many dead bodies were buried in a mass grave.'
A bulldozer 'ran over a dead body in a horrific and heart-wrenching scene desecrating the dead,' the unnamed witness said.
Iqbal Mohamed, an independent MP for Dewsbury and Batley, said: 'People in the UK are living next to a neighbour who played target practice with children.
'Anyone that supports Israel, directly or indirectly, should be investigated.'
Joint statement from myself and Abtisam Mohamed MP. pic.twitter.com/P2bmRD40io
— Yuan Yang (@YuanfenYang) April 6, 2025
Labour MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed were denied entry to Israel on Saturday as they were suspected of wanting 'to document Israeli security forces and spread hateful rhetoric against Israel', the Times of Israel said.
In January, Ms Yang, the MP for Earley and Woodley in Berkshire, told the Commons about the 'atrocious conditions' faced by medics in Gaza.
Mr Mohamed said: 'Keir Starmer has been silent on his own MPs being denied entry into Israel.
'It's extremely hard sitting in the chamber when MPs stand up for international law and rights, and watching them be heckled and goaded as if they were speaking expletives.
'It was quite hard to get used to the lack of humanity and compassion in the chamber.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cooper still in last-minute talks with Treasury over spending review
The Home Office remains locked in negotiations with the Treasury over its budget with time running out before the spending review. Rachel Reeves is expected to announce above-inflation increases in the policing budget when she sets out her spending plans for the next three years on Wednesday. But Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is yet to agree a final settlement with the Chancellor, with reports suggesting greater police spending will mean a squeeze on other areas of her department's budget. Downing Street is now understood to be involved in the talks, with Ms Cooper the last minister still to reach a deal with the Treasury. The spending review is expected to see funding increases for the NHS, schools and defence along with a number of infrastructure projects as the Chancellor shares out some £113 billion freed up by looser borrowing rules. But other areas could face cuts as she seeks to balance manifesto commitments with more recent pledges, such as a hike in defence spending, while meeting her fiscal rules that promise to match day-to-day spending with revenues. On Monday morning, technology minister Sir Chris Bryant insisted that the spending review would not see a return to austerity, telling Times Radio that period was 'over'. But he acknowledged that some parts of the budget would be 'much more stretched' and 'difficult'. One of those areas could be London, where Sir Sadiq Khan's office is concerned the spending review will include no new projects or funding for the capital. The mayor had been seeking extensions to the Docklands Light Railway and Bakerloo Underground line, along with powers to introduce a tourist levy and a substantial increase in funding for the Metropolitan Police, but his office now expects none of these will be approved. A source close to the Mayor said ministers 'must not return to the damaging, anti-London approach of the last government', adding this would harm both London's public services and 'jobs and growth across the country'. They said: 'Sadiq will always stand up for London and has been clear it would be unacceptable if there are no major infrastructure projects for London announced in the spending review and the Met doesn't get the funding it needs. 'We need backing for London as a global city that's pro-business, safe and well-connected.' Last week, Ms Reeves acknowledged she had been forced to turn down requests for funding for projects she would have wanted to back, in a sign of the behind-the-scenes wrangling over her spending review. The Department of Health is set to be the biggest winner, with the NHS expected to receive a boost of up to £30 billion at the expense of other public services. Meanwhile, day-to-day funding for schools is expected to increase by £4.5 billion by 2028-9 compared with the 2025-6 core budget, which was published in the spring statement. Elsewhere, the Government has committed to spend 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence from April 2027, with a goal of increasing that to 3% over the next parliament – a timetable which could stretch to 2034. Ms Reeves' plans will also include an £86 billion package for science and technology research and development.
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
FTSE 100 LIVE: Stocks muted as London hosts US-China trade talks
The FTSE 100 (^FTSE) and European stocks were lacklustre on Monday morning as US and Chinese officials meet in London in a bid to making further progress in easing the trade war between the world's two largest economies. Both sides are sending senior representatives — the US delegation is being led by Treasury secretary Scott Bessent, commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and US trade representative Jamieson Greer, while vice premier He Lifeng leads China's team. A UK government spokesman said on Sunday: 'The next round of trade talks between the US and China will be held in the UK on Monday. We are a nation that champions free trade and have always been clear that a trade war is in nobody's interests, so we welcome these talks.' London's benchmark index (^FTSE) treading water in early trade Germany's DAX (^GDAXI) dipped 0.4% and the CAC (^FCHI) in Paris headed 0.2% into the red The pan-European STOXX 600 (^STOXX) was also trading near the flatline Wall Street is set for a positive start as S&P 500 futures (ES=F), Dow futures (YM=F) and Nasdaq futures (NQ=F) were all in the green. The pound was 0.3% higher against the US dollar (GBPUSD=X) at 1.3567. The value of the US greenback slipped against all major currencies ahead of the pivotal US-China trade talks Key companies reporting this week: TSMC, Adobe, Tesco, Bellway and Inditex Follow along for live updates throughout the day: Stocks in Asia rose overnight ahead of the second round of trade talks between Washington and Beijing, due in London later today. The Nikkei (^N225) rose 0.9% on the day in Tokyo, as the Japanese economy contracted by 0.2% in the first quarter, while the Hang Seng (^HSI) climbed 1.4% in Hong Kong. The Shanghai Composite ( was 0.4% up by the end of the session despite the government reporting that exports slowed in May. They grew 4.8% from a year earlier after a jump of more than 8% in April. Exports to the US fell almost 10% compared to the previous year. China also reported a 0.1% year-on-year fall in consumer prices in May, marking the fourth consecutive month of deflation. In South Korea, the Kospi (^KS11) added 1.6% on the day, while Australia's market was closed for a public holiday. On Friday, stocks gained ground on Wall Street following a better-than-expected report on the US job market. The gains were broad, with every sector in the S&P 500 (^GSPC) rising. This solidified a second consecutive winning week for the benchmark index, which has rallied back from a slump two months ago, within striking distance of its record high. The S&P 500 rose 1% to 6,000.36, the Dow Jones (^DJI) gained 1% to 42,762.87, while the Nasdaq (^IXIC) gained 1.2% to 19,529.95. Good morning, and welcome back to our markets live blog. As usual we will be taking a deep dive into what's moving markets and happening across the global economy. Here's a snapshot of what's on the agenda for today: 7am: Trading updates: Cordel Group, Synectics, Strip Tinning 3.30pm: US Wholesales Inventories 8pm: US Consumer CreditStocks in Asia rose overnight ahead of the second round of trade talks between Washington and Beijing, due in London later today. The Nikkei (^N225) rose 0.9% on the day in Tokyo, as the Japanese economy contracted by 0.2% in the first quarter, while the Hang Seng (^HSI) climbed 1.4% in Hong Kong. The Shanghai Composite ( was 0.4% up by the end of the session despite the government reporting that exports slowed in May. They grew 4.8% from a year earlier after a jump of more than 8% in April. Exports to the US fell almost 10% compared to the previous year. China also reported a 0.1% year-on-year fall in consumer prices in May, marking the fourth consecutive month of deflation. In South Korea, the Kospi (^KS11) added 1.6% on the day, while Australia's market was closed for a public holiday. On Friday, stocks gained ground on Wall Street following a better-than-expected report on the US job market. The gains were broad, with every sector in the S&P 500 (^GSPC) rising. This solidified a second consecutive winning week for the benchmark index, which has rallied back from a slump two months ago, within striking distance of its record high. The S&P 500 rose 1% to 6,000.36, the Dow Jones (^DJI) gained 1% to 42,762.87, while the Nasdaq (^IXIC) gained 1.2% to 19,529.95. Good morning, and welcome back to our markets live blog. As usual we will be taking a deep dive into what's moving markets and happening across the global economy. Here's a snapshot of what's on the agenda for today: 7am: Trading updates: Cordel Group, Synectics, Strip Tinning 3.30pm: US Wholesales Inventories 8pm: US Consumer Credit Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Greta Thunberg Says She Has Been Kidnapped by Israeli Forces-What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid vessel on Monday and detained its passengers, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, amid ongoing restrictions on access to the Palestinian territory. Why It Matters The civilian vessel, named Madleen and operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was stopped in international waters. The Israeli military stated that the interception was part of enforcement measures related to its longstanding naval blockade of Gaza. The FFC said the group was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid, including food, baby formula and medical supplies. According to Israel's Foreign Ministry, the Madleen was redirected to the Israeli port of Ashdod, and the passengers would be returned to their countries of origin. The ministry released a video showing the activists wearing life vests and receiving food and water. In a statement posted online, it described the ship as a "selfie yacht" and said the aid would be transferred to Gaza through established procedures. Greta Thunberg meets with journalists in Catania, Italy on June 1, 2025, ahead of departure to Gaza. Greta Thunberg meets with journalists in Catania, Italy on June 1, 2025, ahead of departure to Gaza. /Salvatore Cavalli/AP Photo What To Know In a pre-recorded video released by the FFC, Thunberg said: "If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel." The FFC had advised participants to prepare for interception and recorded messages in advance. SOS! the volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli forces. Greta Thunberg is a Swedish citizen. Pressure their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe! Web: X : @SweMFA FB : @SweMFA IG : swedishmfa#AllEyesOnMadeleen — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025 The Israeli government stated that unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are "unlawful" and "undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts." Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza and that the passengers would be shown a video of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks upon their arrival in Israel. Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade of Gaza since 2007, following the takeover of the territory by Hamas. Israel says the restrictions are aimed at preventing the import of weapons and materials used by militant groups; and that all passengers "are safe and unharmed." Hamas, which governs Gaza, called the interception "a flagrant violation of international law" and said the activists were "civilian volunteers acting out of humanitarian motives." The group has demanded their immediate release and called on the United Nations and other international organizations to intervene. All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 The United Nations has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than 2 million people reside. A UN-backed assessment warned in April 2025 that one in five residents faced starvation. The Gaza Health Ministry reports more than 54,000 fatalities in the territory since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Israel's campaign followed a Hamas-led attack in which 1,200 people were killed and over 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities. The FFC, founded in 2010, has organized multiple attempts to challenge the blockade. Last month, another vessel in its fleet, the Conscience, was damaged in what the group alleged was a drone strike off the coast of Malta. The Israeli military did not comment on that incident. The Madleen had departed Sicily on June 1. What Happens Next? Israeli authorities have indicated that the detained activists will be processed and repatriated. As of Monday, they were being transported to Ashdod.
