Why it matters:
The ICC’s call for cooperation places pressure on signatory states to act on high-profile arrest warrants, potentially complicating diplomatic relations and travel for the accused. The case also intensifies global scrutiny of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza.
The big picture:
The ICC is the world’s only permanent international court with jurisdiction over genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, but the ICC asserts jurisdiction over Gaza through Palestine’s membership.
The arrest warrants have sparked sharp political reactions, with some governments supporting the ICC’s move and others rejecting its authority.
What they're saying:
“We need to see broader cooperation from member states in carrying out these arrest orders,” El Abdallah said, calling for increased international commitment to justice.
Go deeper:
The ICC issued international arrest warrants on November 21, 2024, for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to the ICC’s official statement, the charges stem from actions committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. The court said there is “reasonable and credible evidence” that Netanyahu and Gallant deliberately deprived Gaza’s civilian population of access to essential resources necessary for survival.
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
Hossein Amiri - ahmad shirzadian
