International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Hamas attack on Israel and the GAZA War.
Key Updates
As the United Nations and its Security Council are at an impasse on the GAZA War, another global governance organisations has stepped in. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is applying for arrest warrants to signal to Hamas and Israel that their policy of extreme violence, killing and destruction without accountability will not be tolerated in a modern society.
ICC judges will now decide whether they believe the evidence is sufficient to issue arrest warrants - something which could take weeks or months.
ICC warrants against Israeli officials would mean they can’t travel — and their patrons in the U.S. would be pressured over continued arms sales. All of the 124 countries that are parties to the ICC Rome Statute are legally obligated to cooperate with the ICC and must arrest anyone on their territory that is subject to an ICC arrest warrant.
As of May 2024, Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 143 out of 193 member states of the United Nations. Ireland, Norway, and Spain have announced they will formally recognise a Palestinian state from 28 May 2024.
By GLOGO® Editorial Team.
Updated 56 min ago.
21st May 2024
HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for many decades, rooted in deep historical, territorial, and political disputes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has brought accusations against both Israeli and Hamas leaders stemming from the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen launched attacks on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 252 others back to Gaza as hostages. Amid the escalating violence and the ongoing Gaza War, which has resulted in about 35,000 Palestinian casualties so far, international law is being invoked to address and denounce the violence perpetrated by both sides. The ICC's involvement underscores the global community's efforts to seek accountability and uphold humanitarian standards amidst the conflict.
BASIS FOR ISSUING THE GLOBAL GOVERNANCE ALERT
On May 20, 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) made a significant ruling regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza and has applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas's leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, for war crimes. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh, along with the group's military chief Mohammed Deif, are also wanted for arrest.
The ICC's decision emphasized that there was sufficient evidence to move forward with investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups. The court highlighted the need for accountability for actions that could constitute serious violations of international law, including attacks on civilians and the use of disproportionate force.
The ICC's ruling is part of a broader context of international scrutiny and legal actions concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. It follows a period of intense violence in Gaza, which has seen significant civilian casualties and destruction. The court's decision underscores its commitment to impartial investigation and accountability, aiming to ensure that all parties involved in the conflict adhere to international humanitarian laws and norms.
The ruling has been met with mixed reactions globally. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the ICC's move, viewing it as a step towards justice for alleged atrocities committed against Palestinians. Conversely, Israel has strongly opposed the ICC's jurisdiction over the matter, arguing that it is not a party to the Rome Statute and that its own judicial system is capable of investigating and prosecuting any wrongdoing by its forces.
This decision also comes amid heightened international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Reports by the United Nations and various human rights organizations have urged immediate action to prevent further escalation and to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to the affected population. The ICC's ruling is seen as part of these broader efforts to bring accountability and prevent future violations of international law in the region.
RELATED STATUS ALERT VIDEO | FORBES - CNN Christiane Amanpour
GEOLOCATION
Palestine and Israel
RULE OF LAW PRECEDENTS THAT CHANGED HISTORY
Assembly of the International Criminal Court. The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community.