For Amnesty International, “Benjamin Netanyahu is now officially a wanted man”.
The International Criminal Court has officially issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the occupied Gaza Strip. An arrest warrant was also issued against the head of the armed wing of Hamas, Mohammed Deïf for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from October 7, 2023.
This is a major decision which reminds us that no one is above international law, which must now be applied.
The arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court on November 21, 2024 represent a historic step forward for justice. “ The wheels of international justice have finally caught up with those allegedly responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Palestine and Israel. » reacted Agnès Callamard, secretary general of Amnesty International.
“No one is above the law. Neither government officials, elected or not. Nor the leaders of armed groups. No one is above the law.” Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International
Benjamin Netanyahu is now officially a wanted man. Following his indictment, as well as that of Yoav Gallant and Mohammed al-Masri, better known as Mohammed Deïf, the member states of the International Criminal Court and the entire international community must put everything in place works to ensure that these people are judged. There can be no safe haven for those suspected of having committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.
By issuing these arrest warrants, the ICC finally brings real hope of justice to countless victims of crimes under international law and restores confidence in the universal value of international legal instruments and justice. It is now up to the 124 member states of the ICC – including France – to decide whether to execute the arrest warrants, if Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Mohammed Deif go to their territory.
Our requests
All ICC member states and non-parties, including the United States and other allies of Israel, must:
Demonstrate their respect for the Court’s decision and the universal principles of international law, by arresting and handing over those wanted by the ICC
Bring to justice the alleged perpetrators of war crimes charges that violate the Geneva Conventions
The ICC, an institution responsible for judging the most serious crimes
The International Criminal Court, officially created in 2002, is the first permanent international criminal court. Its goal: to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes throughout the world.
Concretely, the States which have ratified the statute of the International Criminal Court – 124 countries to date – have the obligation to arrest on their soil the individuals targeted by an arrest warrant. A state traditionally judges crimes that are committed on its territory. But when it comes to international crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide, universal jurisdiction applies.
Israel also in the crosshairs of the International Court of Justice
The decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC), competent to judge individuals, comes 11 months after an important decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – which judges States. On January 26, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) called on Israel to prevent possible acts of “genocide” and to “take immediate measures” to enable the provision of “humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza.” The ICJ had previously been seized by South Africa.
An outburst of violence since October 7
The issuance of these arrest warrants comes nearly five months after ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s requisitions against the Israeli leader and Hamas leaders. Since October 7, 2023, the escalation of violence between Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups has marked a new dramatic turning point in the region. With each passing day, the number of people killed and injured only increases.
