France, Norway back the International Criminal Court’s action on Israel

ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant

France and Norway have expressed their support for the International Criminal Court‘s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, all of whom face serious charges.

The ICC’s pre-trial chamber has accused Netanyahu and Gallant of committing “crimes against humanity and war crimes” during the period between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024.

Mohammed Deif, the Hamas commander, has been accused of similar charges related to actions in Israel and Palestine beginning on October 7, 2023, as reported by Xinhua.

In a press briefing on Thursday, French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine emphasized France’s commitment to supporting the ICC. Lemoine stated that the court is an essential “guarantee of international stability” and must be respected in all situations, adding that the fight against impunity remains a priority for France.

However, when asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu would be arrested if he visited France, Lemoine refrained from providing a clear answer, citing the legal complexities of the situation.

Lemoine also raised concerns about the destruction of cultural heritage sites in Gaza and Lebanon during recent conflicts, highlighting the role of France, the host country of UNESCO, in safeguarding such sites.

Similarly, Norway has backed the ICC’s actions. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide affirmed that the ICC plays a vital role in ensuring accountability for serious crimes, expressing confidence that the court would proceed with the case following the highest standards of fair trial.

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