(Rightallegiance.com) – France, Belgium, and Slovenia have expressed their support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its chief prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants for key leaders from Israel and Hamas. This comes after strong condemnation from Israel and the United States.
Accusations and Arrest Warrants
The ICC’s accusations involve war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip and Israel. The requested arrest warrants target Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders: Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. While Netanyahu and Gallant do not face immediate arrest, the announcement is a symbolic setback that deepens Israel’s isolation over the Gaza war. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz traveled to France.
Hospital Crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza remains dire. One of the main hospitals in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, had to evacuate on Tuesday after being targeted by Israeli forces, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Another hospital, Awda, has been surrounded by Israeli troops for three days. Awda hospital reported running out of drinking water and being hit by an artillery shell.
Ongoing Violence in the West Bank
The violence continues to surge in the West Bank. Israeli forces raided a militant stronghold in the city of Jenin, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people and several others wounded. Among the deceased was Dr. Ossayed Kamal Jabareen, a surgery specialist at Jenin Governmental Hospital. This raid is part of a broader Israeli crackdown on militancy in the territory since the start of the Gaza war.
Background of the Conflict
Israel’s offensive in Gaza began after a brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, where militants stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250 others. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 35,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, and approximately 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced.
International Reactions
France and Belgium have voiced support for the ICC’s actions. France emphasized its support for the ICC’s independence and the fight against impunity. Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib, also called for the prosecution of crimes committed in Gaza, regardless of the perpetrators. In contrast, Israeli leaders and U.S. President Joe Biden have condemned the ICC’s move, asserting Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas.
Additional Developments
- Israel’s Response to ICC Warrants: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticized the ICC prosecutor’s actions, accusing them of creating a false equivalence between Hamas and Israel.
- Equipment Seizures: Israeli officials have seized Associated Press equipment and taken down live video feeds from northern Gaza, citing new media laws.
- Iran’s Nuclear Policy: Despite the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, analysts believe Iran’s policy of nuclear pressure and negotiations will continue.
- Houthi Rebels: Yemen’s Houthi rebels have reported shooting down another U.S. drone.
The international community continues to watch closely as the conflict unfolds, with ongoing efforts to address humanitarian crises and hold accountable those responsible for war crimes.