ICC prosecution calls for arrest of Israeli leaders

Speaking to the British press, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim Ahmad Khan stated that the arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant technically allow for the implementation of this decision if Netanyahu travels to one of the 124 ICC member countries.

Khan spoke to The Sunday Times in Britain following the arrest request for Netanyahu.

In his statement on May 20, Khan called for arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and some Hamas officials, suspecting them of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, stating, “We are going through a dangerous period internationally, and if we do not adhere to the law, we will have nothing to hold on to.”

Khan added that he is closely monitoring whether Latin America, Africa, and Asia countries that support global institutions will uphold international law, stating, “The acceptance of arrest warrants by ICC judges means that if Netanyahu travels to one of the 124 ICC member countries, technically, this decision can be implemented.”

‘War should not be conducted this way’

Khan remarked, “Israel has the right to protect its people and bring prisoners home, but no one has permission to commit war crimes or crimes against humanity.”

Khan criticized Israel’s attacks on civilians waiting in line for bread, stating, “War should not be conducted this way. If compliance with international humanitarian law is such, then the Geneva Conventions have no meaning.”