Human rights advocates have formally requested the London Metropolitan Police to launch a criminal investigation into Elbit Systems UK Ltd, citing the company’s alleged involvement in Gaza conflict atrocities. The Public Interest Law Centre, supported by Campaign Against Arms Trade, submitted a comprehensive legal complaint to the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command (SO15).
The legal action targets four current and former British directors of the Israeli-owned defense contractor for potential complicity in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide under the International Criminal Court Act 2001. The complaint argues that corporate officials could face charges for aiding and abetting international law violations through their supply chain operations.
Elbit Systems Ltd, headquartered in Israel, has served as a primary weapons and technology supplier during Gaza hostilities that commenced in October 2023. The UK subsidiary represents a critical component of the company’s international distribution network, according to legal representatives.
The complaint was filed on behalf of a Palestinian UK resident whose family remains in Gaza, highlighting the personal connection to the alleged crimes. The Public Interest Law Centre’s statement emphasized that the Metropolitan Police’s response would demonstrate the practical validity of international justice legislation, stating: ‘Whether the Met chooses to investigate this complaint will show whether the ICC Act 2001 is worth the paper it’s written on.’
The legal challenge emerges alongside new research published in The Lancet Global Health indicating conflict fatalities may significantly exceed official estimates. The Gaza Mortality Survey documented approximately 75,200 violent deaths between October 2023 and January 2025—approximately 35% higher than Palestinian health ministry figures. The study corroborated that 56% of casualties were women, children, and elderly individuals.
Elbit Systems, employing 20,000 staff with $2 billion annual revenue, frequently faces activism from pro-Palestinian groups in Britain. Recent legal developments saw prosecutors drop aggravated burglary charges against Palestine Action activists who targeted an Elbit facility near Bristol in August 2024.