In this photo illustration, the International Criminal Court (ICC) logo is seen on a smartphone screen on 16 February 2024 [Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images]
Israel’s Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara yesterday told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form an independent commission to investigate the humanitarian situation in Gaza in an effort to avoid the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants against him and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
On 20 May, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he was seeking arrest warrants for the two Israeli officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza since October 2023. If issued, the arrest warrants will mean the pair will be unable to travel to a number of countries who are signatories to the ICC, including allies the UK, France and Germany.
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Traditionally the ICC only prosecutes cases when a country’s own judiciary is not functioning, however Israel’s court system is seen by many to be aiding its occupation of Palestinian territory and apartheid policies and therefore not holding officials to account for their violations of international laws.
The ICC’s planned arrest warrants come after Gallant announced a complete siege on Gaza on 9 October 2023, saying no food, water or electricity would enter the enclave as Israel was fighting “human animals”. Netanyahu and his Cabinet have waged a genocidal war on Gaza since, limiting Palestinians access to aid, water and amenities, leading to a “man-made famine”.
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