Metropolitan Police Reverse Decision to Close UK-Israeli War Crimes Referral Following Legal Challenge

The Metropolitan Police Service withdraws its previous decision to close a landmark war crimes referral concerning British nationals alleged to have served with the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza.

The decision follows the commencement of judicial review proceedings brought by British-Palestinian human rights campaigner Lubna Speitan, represented by the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC).

The original referral, submitted jointly by the Public Interest Law Centre and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) in 7^th April 2025, alleged that ten British nationals had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during military operations in Gaza. Following an extensive review, the Metropolitan Police narrowed its focus to four identifiable British nationals.

Over a year later on 27^th April 2026, the War Crimes Team informed the parties that it would not pursue a criminal investigation, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to justify opening one.

Following receipt of a detailed Letter Before Action challenging that decision by way of judicial review, the Metropolitan Police has now formally withdrawn the decision and confirmed that it will undertake a fresh scoping exercise on this matter.

The Public Interest Law Centre and the Palestine Centre for Human Rights welcome the decision.

The organisation emphasises that the withdrawal of the original decision represents an important procedural step. It ensures that the previous decision no longer stands and that the Metropolitan Police will reconsider the referral afresh.

PILC and PCHR have written to the Metropolitan Police proposing a constructive process of engagement before any further decision is made. They have invited SO15 to participate in a joint evidence development process aimed at identifying further witnesses, digital evidence, expert material and other investigative opportunities capable of assisting the fresh assessment.

Paul Heron, Solicitor at the Public Interest Law Centre, said:

“We welcome the Metropolitan Police’s withdrawal of its previous decision and to undertake a fresh scoping exercise. This is an important and responsible step which recognises that the earlier decision should no longer stand. These allegations concern some of the gravest crimes known to international law. Where there are identifiable British nationals alleged to have participated in such crimes, it is essential that investigative decisions are taken on the fullest evidential basis possible. Our objective has never been litigation for its own sake. We want to work constructively with the Metropolitan Police and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights to identify further evidence wherever it exists and to ensure that every reasonable investigative avenue is properly explored before any fresh decision is reached.”

Mike Mansfield KC, who has supported the referral, said:

“The rule of law depends upon its equal application. Allegations of war crimes must be investigated irrespective of the nationality of those accused or the political sensitivities surrounding the conflict. The Metropolitan Police’s decision to revisit its earlier conclusion is therefore to be welcomed. It provides an opportunity for a fresh and independent assessment based upon all available evidence. That is precisely what justice requires.”

The Public Interest Law Centre and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights remain committed to assisting the Metropolitan Police in identifying further evidence capable of supporting an effective investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by British nationals serving with the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza.

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