Middle East latest: UN chief ‘complicit in war crimes’ after X post, Israeli minister claims; 38 killed in strike in Gaza | World news

By Deborah Haynes, Security and Defense Editor

Evidence of possible war crimes collected by British spy planes operating over Gaza could be handed over to the International Criminal Court, Britain has confirmed.

The Royal Air Force has reportedly flown hundreds of missions over and near the war-torn region since December, gathering intelligence to help hunt for hostages kidnapped from Israel by Hamas.

The Defense Ministry said the Shadow R1 surveillance planes – which also fly over Israel and international airspace – are tasked solely with gathering information to help the Israeli operation find its hostages.

The spy planes are not involved in gathering intelligence on any other aspect of the war against Hamas, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children.

However, a spokesman said Britain would consider a request from international investigators to hand over any evidence collected by RAF spy planes that could reveal evidence of war crimes.

The spokesperson said: “In accordance with our international obligations, we would consider any formal request from the International Criminal Court to provide information relating to war crimes investigations.”

It is clear that no such request has yet been made.

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