Thousands sign petition to demand Netanyahu’s arrest

More than 6,600 people have signed a petition in just two days calling for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to be arrested for war crimes.

It calls for Mr Netanyahu to be arrested when he visits London next month to meet with Prime Minister David Cameron.

It states: “Under international law he should be arrested for war crimes upon arrival in the UK for the massacre of over 2,000 civilians in 2014.”

Over 2,200 Palestinians, including 451 children, were killed last summer during Israel’s 50-day attack on Gaza.

Israel illegally targeted civilian buildings such as houses, hospitals and UN schools.

In many instances Israel gave no warnings of attacks, meaning that Palestinians could not escape the bombings.

The petition could cause embarrassment for Mr Netanyahu, because the government is required to issue a formal response when it reaches 10,000 signatures.

If it reaches 100,000 signatures by its closing date in February 2016, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.