Netanyahu refuses to meet UK Foreign Secretary over ICC arrest warrants

Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly refused to meet with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during his visit to Israel last Friday. According to Israel’s Channel 13, the refusal stems from the recent decision by the UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to withdraw its objections to the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigating potential war crimes by Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.

Israeli sources revealed that Netanyahu was angered by London’s withdrawal of its objections, leading to his decision to snub Lammy, despite repeated requests from the British side for a meeting. The ICC is currently considering issuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant for crimes against humanity in Gaza, including the ongoing genocide.

The British Foreign Office, in response, issued a statement denying any plans for Lammy to meet with Netanyahu during his visit. The statement clarified that Lammy had already met with Netanyahu on July 14, shortly after taking office, and that no further meetings were scheduled during this trip.

Lammy’s visit to the occupation state was part of a joint diplomatic mission with French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné. During the visit, the two diplomats met with Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

The UK’s recent withdrawal of its objections to the ICC’s investigation marks a significant shift in its stance on Israel’s crimes in Gaza. On July 26, the Starmer government officially announced its decision, stating that the matter is “within the jurisdiction of the court.” In May, Starmer had expressed support for the ICC, stating that the court must be allowed to make its decisions independently and in accordance with international law.

The potential arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant were requested by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan in May, based on multiple accusations, including the perpetration of crimes against humanity in Gaza. Despite these serious crimes, Israel has continued its crimes in Gaza, disregarding United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate end to the conflict, as well as International Court of Justice orders to prevent acts of genocide and improve the dire humanitarian situation in the region.

Reports indicate that the Israeli offensive, with American support, has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, and has left more than 10,000 missing. The conflict has caused unprecedented destruction and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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