In a significant development, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), a UK-based advocacy group, has lodged a criminal complaint against senior UK politicians, including ministers, accusing them of being complicit in war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip. The ICJP handed over hard drives and evidence dossiers to the Metropolitan Police's War Crimes Unit, as part of their efforts to seek justice.

During a press conference, Tayab Ali, the director of the ICJP, emphasized that this was just the initial phase of the evidence provided, with further offenses and suspects to be added. The complaint also implicates Israeli politicians and British nationals who have fought for the Israeli army, revealing the involvement of UK citizens in the conflict.

Criticism has been aimed at the Metropolitan Police, including from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who believes that the call for evidence is a politicization of the force. Ali responded by stating that Johnson's comments constituted unwelcome "political interference" in the work of the police.

In their defense, the police assert that their war crimes team is obligated, under the Rome Statute, to support any investigations conducted by the International Criminal Court that may involve British individuals. The ICJP's complaint, spanning 78 pages, contains photographic evidence and distressing eyewitness accounts, including from British citizens with ties to Gaza.

The complaint contends that the implicated UK politicians are responsible for aiding and abetting war crimes through military support to Israel and their moral encouragement. It points to evidence suggesting that UK weapons and intelligence have been employed in operations that violate international law by failing to distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Most of the individuals named in the complaint reside in Israel, but the ICJP has urged the police to monitor their entry into the UK, as many officials frequently travel. The filing of this complaint follows South Africa's recent complaint at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing Israel of "genocidal conduct" in Gaza.

Haydee Dijkstal, head of international law at 33 Bedford Row Chambers, who contributed to the evidence submitted by the ICJP, clarified that the complaint does not assert the crime of genocide but covers a wide range of alleged war crimes. Dijkstal expressed the ICJP's intention to continue discussing the evidence and answering any questions from the police.

The UK government's steadfast support for Israel throughout the conflict is noteworthy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged support to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly expressed solidarity, stating that calls for a ceasefire would not help the situation without addressing Israel's right to self-defense.

The ICJP has requested a scoping exercise by the Metropolitan Police's war crimes team, which will determine whether an investigation should be launched. The police have clarified that, at present, no UK-based investigation related to this conflict or any other matters is underway.

Commander Dominic Murphy, leading the Counter Terrorism Command hosting the war crimes team, assured that the police are committed to supporting victims and witnesses who report core international crimes. He emphasized that stringent guidelines would be followed in the assessment of war crime referrals.

The police have provided a website for members of the public to report matters related to war crimes, signaling their dedication to addressing this issue sensitively and efficiently.