Conservatives: Response to ICC warrants

Priti Patel MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary, said:

“The decision by the ICC to issue arrest warrants for the democratically elected leader of Israel and Israel's former Defence Minister is deeply concerning and provocative. This will do nothing to bring about the release of all hostages held and the bringing of much-needed aid into Gaza. The focus of international diplomacy must be on securing a sustainable peace, a de-escalation of tensions in the region and an end to this conflict.

“In issuing these warrants, the ICC are drawing a moral equivalence with the actions of the terrorist leadership of Hamas, which it is wrong to do. The Conservative Government did not believe the ICC has jurisdiction in this area, as Israel is not a signatory to the Rome statute, and because Palestine is not recognised as a state.

“The Labour Government must condemn and challenge the ICC's decision.”