Karim Khan, chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, claims to have evidence that the leaders were guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, among other things.
“Today we emphasize again that international law and the laws of war apply to everyone. No foot soldier, no commander, no civilian leader – no one – can act with impunity,” he writes in one statement.
War between Israel and Hamas
ICC prosecutors seek arrest of Netanyahu and Sinwar
SVT’s correspondent on Gantz’s ultimatum: “Shows a deep crack”
The counterattack: “Anti-Semitism”
The statements have made all those pointed out see red. Both Hamas and Israel react to being mentioned in the same statement.
– This is a complete distortion of reality. This is exactly what the new anti-Semitism looks like, Netanyahu said in a video appearance.
Hamas demands in a statement that the application be withdrawn. The terrorist organization condemns what they call the prosecutor’s “attempt to equate the victim with the executioner”.
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Hear ICC chief prosecutor: Netanyahu should be arrested. Photo: ICC
Criticism from the USA
US President Joe Biden also reacted strongly to the ICC prosecutor’s announcement.
– I want to be clear that we reject the ICC’s application for an arrest warrant, he said in a statement during an event at the White House linked to “Jewish American Heritage Month” on Monday.
– Israel and Hamas are in no way equivalent. It is clear that Israel wants to do everything it can to ensure civilian protection. Let me emphasize that what is going on is not genocide, the president added.
Biden is not alone in the criticism. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described to Reuters the prosecutor’s actions as unhelpful:
“This is not conducive to achieving a pause in the fighting, getting the hostages out or bringing in humanitarian aid.”
Even the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, highlights criticism. He confirms that Republican leaders are looking at sanctions against the ICC.
– If the ICC is allowed to threaten Israeli leaders, ours could be next, Johnson said in a statement on Monday, according to CNN.
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Hear international law professor Pål Wånge: It happens if the arrest warrant goes through. Photo: SVT/Reuters