Support from France, Belgium, and Slovenia for the ICC's Arrest Warrant for Israeli and Hamas Leaders

The governments of France, Belgium, and Slovenia issued a statement supporting the request of the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an arrest warrant for the leaders of Israel and Hamas. This comes as the governments of Israel and the United States have strongly condemned this action. Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor, on Monday, May 20, accused Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister, and Yoav Gallant, the Minister of Defense of Israel, along with three senior Hamas leaders—Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau, and Mohammed Deif, the commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas)—of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. Although Israel is not a member of the ICC and its Prime Minister and Minister of Defense are not at immediate risk of arrest, the prosecutor's request is seen as a significant blow to Israel and will exacerbate its international isolation due to the war in Gaza. In another event, according to Palestinian health authorities, at least seven people were killed and several others injured on Tuesday in an Israeli attack on a site in Jenin, located in the West Bank, which was said to be a hideout for Palestinian militants. Since early last year, especially after the onset of the war in Gaza, Israeli attacks on the West Bank and armed clashes in the region have increased. Yoav Gallant condemned the ICC Chief Prosecutor's decision to issue arrest warrants for him, the Prime Minister of Israel, and Hamas leaders. He described Karim Khan's action as 'outrageous and disgusting,' stating that it equates Hamas and Israel. He noted that Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction, emphasizing that his country has the right to defend itself. Gallant added, 'The prosecutor's action aimed at depriving Israel of its right to self-defense and freeing hostages in Gaza must be firmly rejected.' Israel's military operations in Gaza began in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on its territory on October 6. In the Hamas attack and that of other Palestinian militant groups, approximately 1,200 Israelis, most of whom were civilians, were killed, and about 250 were taken hostage. According to statistics from the Gaza Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, at least 35,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israeli attacks, most of whom are women and children. According to the United Nations, in the past seven months, at least 80% of the 2.3 million population of Gaza have been forced to leave their homes or shelters multiple times.