Israel-Hamas Conflict: International Response
Israel’s anger towards the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants against its leaders in relation to the Gaza war is met with strong opposition.
Israel’s Call for Support
On Tuesday, Israel urged “nations of the civilised world” to stand against the ICC prosecutor’s actions and to declare their refusal to acknowledge any arrest warrants issued.
Defence Minister’s Response
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant criticized the ICC’s move as a “disgraceful” attempt to interfere in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Washington’s Condemnation
Washington echoed Israel’s sentiments, condemning the perceived equivalence in the ICC prosecutor’s actions against both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
Government’s Appeal
A government spokesperson called on nations to denounce the ICC’s decision and make it clear that they do not support the arrest warrants, emphasizing the importance of standing against terrorism.
International Reactions
The US ambassador to Israel emphasized the differences between the actions of a democratic government and those of a terrorist organization, highlighting the need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
ICC Prosecutor’s Stance
While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defence, the ICC prosecutor emphasized the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law, raising concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza.
Future Actions
Speculation remains about potential travel restrictions for Israeli leaders if arrest warrants are issued, with a government spokesperson suggesting a wait-and-see approach.