LONDON: The UK’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed that intelligence gathered by Royal Air Force surveillance flights over Gaza could be shared with the International Criminal Court to support potential investigations into war crimes.
The RAF has reportedly flown more than 600 missions since December, using Shadow R1 aircraft, to gather intelligence aimed exclusively at aiding in the recovery of hostages taken during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, the MOD said.
A spokesperson for the MOD explained that, while the primary mission remains hostage rescue, the UK would consider requests from international authorities for evidence that might aid war crimes investigations.
“In line with our international obligations, we would consider any formal request from the International Criminal Court to provide information relating to investigations into war crimes,” the spokesperson said, affirming the UK’s commitment to international humanitarian law.
The intelligence collected by the RAF may provide critical insight into conditions in Gaza amid escalating hostilities.
The MOD underscored, however, that UK armed forces are not combatants in the conflict.
“Our mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of the hostages only, including British nationals,” the spokesperson added.
“The RAF routinely conducts unarmed flights for this sole purpose, and any intelligence provided to our allies is shared only where we are satisfied it will be used in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
Recent reports have drawn attention to the scale of these intelligence operations, with data from a Canadian researcher suggesting over 250 sorties had been completed by mid-2024. Al Jazeera reported that more than 600 flights have been conducted, reflecting the UK’s concerted effort to locate hostages amid an intensifying conflict.
The ICC has expressed interest in addressing alleged war crimes on both sides.
In May, the ICC prosecutor announced intentions to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of “starvation of civilians as a method of warfare” and “intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population” since Oct. 8, 2023, one day after Hamas’ initial attack.
Arrest warrants were also sought for senior Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, who were accused of crimes against humanity. Both leaders were killed in recent Israeli strikes.
The UK Defense Journal highlighted the continuing scale of RAF missions in the region, indicating that British intelligence efforts remain focused on securing the safe release of hostages, with no involvement in direct combat or provision of weaponry.
This approach, the MOD emphasized, reflects a humanitarian mission with strict adherence to international legal standards.
