Albanese: Starmer and UK Leadership Directly Aiding Israel’s Genocide in Gaza
UN special rapporteur accuses Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the British government of enabling mass atrocities through political backing, intelligence sharing, and repression of dissent
United Kingdom, PUREWILAYAH.COM - UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and successive UK governments of contributing directly to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
In an interview with Middle East Eye’s Expert Witness podcast, Albanese said the UK helped manufacture national consensus in support of Israel’s assault on a civilian population.
Her recent report, Gaza Genocide: A Collective Crime, presented to the UN General Assembly, identified 63 states as complicit in Israeli violations of international law, with the UK highlighted for its “key role in military collaboration” with Israel.
According to the report, Britain flew more than 600 surveillance missions over Gaza throughout the genocide, sharing intelligence that aligned with major Israeli operations — activity Albanese noted “suggests detailed knowledge and cooperation in the destruction of Gaza, extending beyond hostage rescue.”
The special rapporteur also pointed out that Britain had threatened the funding of the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing Middle East Eye’s revelation that former foreign secretary David Cameron warned ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan against issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.
Starmer’s Statements “Legally Incorrect” and Morally Damaging
Albanese criticised Starmer directly, referencing his background as a human rights lawyer.
She recalled Starmer’s October 2023 comments on LBC radio, where he claimed Israel “has the right” to cut off water and electricity to Gaza’s population — a position widely condemned by legal experts and humanitarian organisations.
From a legal standpoint, Albanese said, this position was “absolutely incorrect,” stressing that collective punishment of civilians is prohibited under international law.
She added that Starmer used his legal credentials to publicly dismiss the ongoing genocide, despite the International Court of Justice recognising in early 2024 that Palestinians in Gaza faced a real risk of irreparable harm under the Genocide Convention.
“This is not ignorance,” she said.
“It is wilful participation in the creation of the conditions that have enabled the genocide and allowed it to continue.”
Repression of Civil Society: “A Climate of Complicity”
Albanese also condemned the Labour government’s domestic policies, including its recent decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.
She said the move is a deliberate attempt to criminalise dissent, silence journalists, and intimidate activists who expose or challenge Israel’s atrocities.
While acknowledging that direct actions by Palestine Action may cause material damage, she said branding such activities as terrorism was “beyond what terrorism is and constitutes.”
“I do not dispute that the methods used by Palestine Action might cause damage. I don’t dispute that they might trespass [beyond] what is legally acceptable. But framing this as terrorism is beyond what terrorism is and constitutes,” she said.
“The fact that the government makes a deliberate choice to target civil society action as terrorism, or to go after journalists who are investigating the genocide on charges of terrorism, while continuing to support the state that uses and practises terror against a virtually defenceless population, creates a climate of complicity.”
Significantly, Albanese said she believes there is enough evidence “to prompt an investigation that might allow national actors to decide” whether to bring a case against British ministers.
“I would also note that in order to have a case before the ICJ, you need a state to take action against the UK.
Potential Legal Consequences for British Officials
Significantly, Albanese said the available evidence could justify legal actions against British ministers.
Such processes could occur through:
International proceedings initiated by another state at the International Court of Justice, or
Domestic judicial actions targeting UK officials who authorised actions or failed to prevent complicity.
“I do believe it is about time for the justice system to put itself to work.,” she said. (PW)