7 August 2024
An overwhelming majority of the British public, 84%, believe that if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant, the British authorities should arrest that person if they enter British jurisdiction. This is according to a YouGov poll commissioned by the Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu) and Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).
This comes after the ICC chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, submitted a request to the pre-trial chamber of the court on 20 May to issue arrest warrants for varying crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. In a welcome first step, the UK Government has withdrawn its opposition to the Court’s jurisdiction.
The survey, conducted on 30-31 July, also found a majority, 58%, remain in favour of the UK ending arms sales to Israel, with only 18% opposed. It also found that 74% of the British public continue to support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
These findings echo earlier YouGov polls commissioned by Caabu and MAP in December 2023 and May 2024, which showed very robust support not just for a ceasefire but also for accountability for violations of international law. The British public hold a clear and consistent opinion on what steps the UK must take to prevent further atrocities, in light of the ongoing Israeli military assault that has so far led to over 39,000 Palestinians killed and 91,000 injured.
Rohan Talbot, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at MAP, said: “As Israel’s indiscriminate bombardment, including of homes, healthcare and so-called “safe zones,” wages on, the British public has reaffirmed widespread support for action by UK Government to bring the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza to an end. This includes suspending arms sales to Israel which may be used in violations of international law. Ten months in, people in Gaza cannot wait any longer – the Government must act now.”
Chris Doyle, Director of Caabu, said: “At some point, perhaps within weeks or even days, the British government may have to enforce ICC arrest warrants relating to the atrocities over the last ten months. This government has assured the electorate it will adhere to international law. This poll shows the electorate overwhelmingly wants to see that and that full accountability and justice matters to them, regardless of who is accused. The climate of impunity enjoyed by so many for so long must end.”
Photo: Palestinians sit in front of a damaged house after Israeli warplanes bombed a home of the Al-Shaer family, leading to widespread destruction in the Al-Salam neighbourhood, east of the city of Rafah, in southern Gaza. (Credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa/Alamy Live News).
