Hind Rajab Foundation Lodges War Crimes Case Against Israeli Forces for Attacking Gaza Aid Ship

The Hind Rajab Foundation has formally submitted a war crimes complaint to the Metropolitan Police War Crimes Unit in the United Kingdom, alleging that the Israeli Navy violated multiple international laws during its interception of the Gaza-bound humanitarian vessel “Madleen.” The ship, flying the British flag, was reportedly carrying aid to besieged Palestinians in Gaza when it was attacked in international waters.

The complaint, rooted in both UK and international legal frameworks, could trigger a wider probe into Israel’s actions on the high seas and their potential breaches of international humanitarian law.

Raid on British-Flagged Aid Ship Raises Legal Alarms

According to the Hind Rajab Foundation, the Israeli Shayetet 13 naval unit, under the command of Vice Admiral David Saar Salama, intercepted the Madleen between 8–9 June while it sailed more than 60 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza in international waters. The ship, considered by law an extension of British territory, was carrying food and medical supplies under the coordination of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

Video footage from the scene shows Israeli naval boats surrounding the ship and drones flying overhead, releasing a white chemical irritant onto the deck. Passengers were ordered at gunpoint to raise their hands, while the crew was detained and taken to Ashdod Port in Israel. The passengers, including French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, were reportedly held incommunicado for hours.

The foundation claims the raid constitutes a breach of British sovereignty and calls for the immediate release of all 12 activists, many of whom are UK and EU citizens.

Foundation Alleges Grave Breaches and War Crimes

The Hind Rajab Foundation’s legal submission draws from several key pieces of legislation, including:

• The Geneva Conventions Act 1957

• The International Criminal Court Act 2001

• Section 134 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, which prohibits torture

The foundation alleges the Israeli forces are responsible for “grave breaches of international humanitarian law, war crimes, and violations of UK jurisdiction.” Specific accusations include:

• The use of chemical irritants via drones

• Unlawful detention of unarmed civilians

• Incommunicado confinement

• Denial of legal and consular access

• Seizure of humanitarian aid and personal belongings

• Inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees

In its statement, the foundation urged the UK government to uphold its legal obligations, stating:

“Their freedom is a matter of urgent humanitarian and legal concern.”

Pattern of Targeting Humanitarian Efforts

This is not the first time Israel has been accused of attacking humanitarian efforts at sea. On 2 May, another ship from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition — the Conscience — was reportedly hit by an Israeli drone, which caused severe damage by igniting a fire and breaching the hull.

These actions come as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, which began in October 2023 and have since claimed nearly 55,000 Palestinian lives, most of them women and children, according to local authorities and humanitarian organizations. Entire neighborhoods, schools, and hospitals have been destroyed. Israel, meanwhile, maintains that it is exercising its right to defend itself, despite growing international condemnation.

Last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has yet to reach a final verdict.

Read: Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich Barred from UK Entry

A Challenge to UK Sovereignty and International Norms

The Hind Rajab Foundation’s complaint not only challenges Israel’s actions but also questions the UK’s response to breaches of its sovereignty. By targeting a ship legally flying the British flag, Israel may have committed acts that fall within UK jurisdiction, raising serious questions about the British government’s duty to protect its citizens and uphold international law.

As public pressure mounts, the UK will face increasing calls to investigate the attack, push for the release of detainees, and reaffirm its commitment to international humanitarian principles.

With the war in Gaza showing no signs of ending, incidents like the Madleen raid represent a turning point in the international legal and moral reckoning of how states respond to the collective punishment of civilians—and those who try to help them.

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