British human rights lawyer Michael Mansfield filed a war crimes complaint against Israel for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

On April 16, 2025, British human rights lawyer Michael Mansfield filed a war crimes complaint against Israel for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The 240-page dossier was submitted to the UK Metropolitan Police's War Crimes Unit, accusing ten British nationals who served in the Israeli military of involvement in the killing of civilians, forced displacement, and indiscriminate attacks.​

Mansfield described the situation in Gaza as "genocide," emphasizing that the indiscriminate killing of women, children, medical personnel, and journalists—protected under international law—goes beyond self-defense and constitutes a deliberate attempt to destroy a group.​

The report was compiled over six months by a team of lawyers and researchers from the UK and The Hague, utilizing Al Jazeera footage, mobile videos, social media, and eyewitness testimonies. Mansfield criticized the ineffectiveness of the UN and international justice systems, attributing this to geopolitical conflicts between major powers like Russia and the United States.​

He stressed the importance of legal action, warning that without accountability, human rights violations would escalate. Mansfield also highlighted the role of public awareness and political pressure in ensuring adherence to human rights and international law.​

Regarding jurisdiction, Mansfield noted that under UK law, British citizens can be prosecuted for serious crimes committed abroad. He emphasized that the issue of war crimes and crimes against humanity has international dimensions.​

Mansfield concluded by asserting that the current situation in Gaza will be remembered in history as a major assault on humanity. He cautioned that if no action is taken now, similar atrocities could occur elsewhere in the future, underscoring that this is not just a matter concerning Gaza but a question of humanity itself.