Photo: Getty images
The decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday sparked a wave of statements and discussions in the international arena, The Jurasalem Post reports.
The position of the Netherlands
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, where the ICC is located, has clearly stated his readiness to comply with the court’s decision. “We will follow the instructions. If Netanyahu or Gallant land, they will be arrested,” said Kasper Veldkamp.
France’s reaction
France took a more cautious stance. A spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry confirmed that the warrants complied with the court’s statute, but refrained from giving a clear answer as to whether Netanyahu or Gallant would be arrested if they arrived in the country. “This issue is legally complex, so I cannot comment on it at this time,” said Christophe Lemoine.
Hamas reaction
The Hamas terrorist group welcomed the ICC’s decision, calling it an “important step” in the fight for justice. “We call on the International Criminal Court to expand the scope of responsibility to all leaders of the criminal occupation,” the group said in a statement.
Francesca Albanese, a UN Special Rapporteur known for her critical statements about Israel, highlighted the importance of upholding the principles of justice. In her post on Platform X, she wrote: “At this difficult time for the international community, we must work together to ensure that the flame of accountability does not fade. Let this dark period only strengthen the call for justice.”
