The UK’s Prime Minister has spoken about “Russian war crimes” in Ukraine. He has done this on several occasions. It seems to be a theme. [1] This is not (just) about the supposed “crime of aggression”, which relates to Russia’s “invasion” of Ukraine, but specific battlefield war-crimes. The second link below has Starmer in full flow denouncing the “war crimes, these are absolutely appalling crimes…” and referring to supposed evidence which he has seen. (No doubt provided by Ukrainian intelligence; but that is a separate point).
Today, the Guardian carries a story which appears to be rock solid video evidence of Israeli troops committing the war crime of shooting unarmed, surrendering enemy combatants. [2] (Israeli forces, of course, often kill children for throwing stones at armoured vehicles; this story is only unusual in that there is clear video of the crime).
We await Starmer’s denunciations of Netanyahu and his calling for him to be prosecuted, which would, presumably, also require a sea-change in UK policy towards Israel. For example, cutting the supply of arms.
It is notable that the Defence Minister – a key and senior government figure – is reported by the Guardian as enthusiastically endorsing the war crime. And yet; we (that is the UK government), continue to act as if Israel was a civilised and normal state. (It could be, maybe one day it will be; but, now, it isn’t).
Notes
