UK withdraws objection to ICC arrest warrants, ‘likely’ to restrict Israel arms sales

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that London will withdraw the previous Conservative government’s objection to the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.

The spokesperson said the decision on whether or not to issue the warrants remains with the ICC to make, Israeli media reported.

The previous UK government under Rishi Sunak had applied to submit objections to the ICC after chief prosecutor Karim Khan sought arrest warrants against three Hamas leaders as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The UK was given until 12 July to submit its objections but was given an extension after a general election was called.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) said the decision was a relief.

"The UK's double U-turn on the ICC arrest warrants was farcical but their decision to drop their objections is a relief," legal officer Zaki Sarraf told The New Arab.

"Next, for the UK to maintain any semblance of commitment to an international rules-based order, there must be an immediate cessation of absolutely all arms sales to Israel. Anything short of this will signify the UK's continued complicity in Israeli war crimes," he added.

The UK is also likely to restrict arms sales to Israel, various media reports stated on Wednesday.

Sources within the Labour Party said in the coming days the government is expected to impose some restrictions on arms sales after Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.

Sources with knowledge of the matter said Lammy and attorney general Richard Hermer KC have previously called on Israel to respect international humanitarian law in Gaza through an open letter in the Financial Times.

According to several reports, Lammy intends to publish official advice given on the legality of supplying weapons to Israel as early as next week, which is believed will state that the UK should take further measures to ensure its weapons are not being used in violations that violate international laws.

While reports suggest that Lammy, the attorney general and the Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are expected to take the advice, the final decision lays with prime minister Keir Starmer.

The news comes as rights groups and international organisations are ramping up the pressure on governments to halt arms sales to Israel as the Gaza death toll mounts, reaching over 39,000 people and wounding over 90,000 others.

Last week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) also issued a verdict stating that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful and should come to an end immediately. It also called on other states to "take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel".