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Evidence of war crimes collected by British spy planes in Gaza may be handed over to the ICC

By Deborah Haynessecurity and defense editor

The UK has confirmed that evidence of potential war crimes collected by British spy planes operating over Gaza may be referred to the International Criminal Court.

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

The Ministry of Defense said the Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft – which also flies over Israel and international airspace – is solely intended to gather information to aid Israel’s hostage recovery operation.

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

But 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.

A spokesman said: “In accordance with our international obligations, we will consider any formal request from the International Criminal Court for information related to war crimes investigations.”

It is understood that such an application has not yet been submitted.