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War crimes evidence collected by British spy planes in Gaza could be handed over to ICC

By Deborah Haynessecurity 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, the UK has confirmed.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has reportedly carried out hundreds of missions over and near the war-torn territory since December, gathering intelligence to assist in the search for hostages kidnapped in Israel by Hamas.

The Defense Ministry said the Shadow R1 surveillance plane, which also flies over Israel and international airspace, is solely tasked with gathering information to assist Israel’s operation to find its hostages.

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

However, a spokesman said the UK 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 line with our international obligations, we would consider any formal request from the International Criminal Court to provide information related to war crimes investigations.”

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