British police are examining a detailed report accusing several UK citizens of war crimes committed while fighting alongside Israeli forces in Gaza.
The 240-page document was submitted to the Metropolitan Police’s War Crimes Team on behalf of two rights organisations: the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and the Public Interest Law Centre.
The report outlines serious allegations involving 10 British nationals, some of whom are said to hold dual UK-Israeli citizenship and held officer roles within the Israeli military. The alleged offences occurred between October 2023 and May 2024, during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
According to the report, these individuals were involved in a range of actions considered unlawful under international law. These include attacks on civilian areas and hospitals, the targeting of aid workers, and the forced displacement of Palestinians. Such acts, if proven, could fall under the definitions of war crimes or crimes against humanity.
The police confirmed they have received the report and are assessing whether a domestic investigation is warranted. At this stage, no formal inquiry has been launched. A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing said that the material would be reviewed by specialist officers to determine any further action, but stressed there is currently no active UK-based investigation tied to the conflict.
The case has drawn increasing public attention, with campaigners urging the UK government to hold its nationals accountable if they have taken part in unlawful military conduct abroad. The matter has also raised broader questions about the role of foreign fighters in international conflicts, especially those returning to their home countries after serving in foreign militaries.
While Israel maintains that its military operations target armed groups in Gaza, rights organisations and international observers have criticised the scale of civilian casualties and destruction. The UK government has not publicly commented on the specific allegations, though it has previously expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
As pressure grows from legal and human rights groups, the outcome of the police review may set a precedent for how the UK responds to its citizens participating in foreign conflicts where war crimes are alleged.