Comments on Israel, Hamas, and International Justice Spark Debate
SNP MSP John Mason has argued that the International Criminal Court (ICC) exhibits bias against Israel, following its decision to pursue arrests of senior Hamas leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and another senior Israeli official for alleged war crimes. The ICC’s recent move has already prompted backlash from the UK and US governments, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticising the announcement as “deeply unhelpful”.
In an email exchange last week, Mason expressed scepticism about the impartiality of international bodies, stating: “You refer to the International Criminal Court but we know that such bodies are not neutral but are biased against Israel.” This comment was part of a broader response to Show Israel the Red Card, a group advocating for a suspension of sporting relations with Israel.
Mason also attributed blame to Iran for its role in fuelling tensions in the Middle East and rejected calls to sever sporting links with Israel, arguing that such measures would necessitate similar actions against other countries with concerning human rights records. He wrote, “Israel is far from perfect but maintains better human rights standards and more democratic governance than many other states. Ceasing links with Israel would demand we also suspend connections with nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, China, India, and Pakistan due to their troubling records.”
The SNP has consistently called for a ceasefire since the conflict intensified following Hamas’s attacks on October 7 last year. Former first minister Humza Yousaf has been vocal on the matter, particularly after his wife’s family was caught up in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
Maree Shepherd of Show Israel the Red Card voiced her dismay at Mason’s remarks, stating: “It is deeply alarming that an elected representative would claim international institutions such as the ICC are biased. Such statements hinder the pursuit of accountability and peace. His comments also fail to address Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestine, severe human rights issues, and recent military actions.”
An SNP spokesperson responded, emphasising the party’s confidence in the ICC’s impartiality while attributing the current crisis to actions by both Hamas and the Israeli government. The spokesperson reiterated the SNP’s calls for recognising Palestine’s statehood, halting arms sales, and pursuing an immediate ceasefire to end the suffering in Gaza.
