EU Countries Must Implement ICC Arrest Warrants against Israeli and Palestinian Leaders, Says EU Diplomacy Chief
Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy, has asserted that European Union (EU) countries are obliged to implement the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and the head of the military wing of the Palestinian movement Hamas, Mohammed Deif. These warrants were issued on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
States Obliged to Uphold ICC’s Decision
According to Borrell, countries signatory to the Rome Statute, the founding act of the ICC which has been signed by all EU states, are obligated to enforce the court’s decisions. He made this statement during a recent visit to Cyprus. He further added that the same obligations apply to nations aspiring to join the EU.
Charges of Anti-Semitism Unjustified, Borrell Says
Borrell, known for his critical stance towards Israel, noted that every disagreement with the policies of an Israeli government shouldn’t automatically be labeled as anti-Semitism. He stated that he, or anyone else, has the right to criticize the decisions of the Israeli government without being accused of anti-Semitism. He also lamented over the division among EU member states regarding the ICC’s decisions, emphasizing that these are legal decisions, not political ones, and there is nothing anti-Semitic about them.
Double Standards Need to be Addressed
Borrell also pointed out the apparent double standards among EU member states. He recalled how many applauded when the ICC, with the explicit support of many EU members, issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader. However, the same voices now remain silent following the call for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Background
The Israeli army launched an offensive in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, following an attack by Hamas that claimed around 1,200 lives in southern Israel. The Israeli operation has so far resulted in the death of over 44,000 Palestinians, triggering international criticism and leading to the ICC’s intervention.
