Netanyahu not welcome in London over Gaza genocide, says mayor Sadiq Khan
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
In a pointed interview with Channel 4 News, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in the British capital.
Khan referenced the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants issued in November 2024 against Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
"I do believe a genocide is being committed in Gaza. I think Netanyahu is responsible," Khan told the broadcaster.
"And as a perpetrator of genocide, I think he’s broken the law. And I think justice needs to happen, and that means him being brought to book."
Khan indicated he would actively lobby the UK government if Netanyahu attempted to visit London.
"If there is any evidence of him coming to London, I’ll be lobbying the prime minister to make sure the law is enforced, absolutely," he said.
When directly asked whether Netanyahu was welcome, Khan replied: "People who commit genocide are not welcome in London."
The comments echo similar remarks by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and come amid the UK's obligations as an ICC member state to enforce the warrants, which include responsibility for starvation as a method of warfare and other crimes against civilians from October 2023 onward.
‘Israel’ has strongly rejected the ICC's jurisdiction and the charges.
Khan noted the practical context: "Well the good news is, and this is very good news, Netanyahu is not coming to London. Because if he did, he would feel the full weight of public opinion if he came."
