Several countries, including Italy, the Netherlands, and Canada, have announced their intention to comply with arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The warrants, issued on Thursday, accuse both Israeli leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
These charges include allegations of starvation, murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts during the conflict that escalated after Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The violence has led to over 44,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement in Gaza.
This marks the first time a sitting leader from a major Western nation has faced war crimes charges from the ICC.
The warrants also target Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, but the charges against Netanyahu and Gallant are particularly significant due to their high-ranking positions.
In response, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed that Italy, as an ICC member, would be legally bound to arrest Netanyahu should he enter the country.
Crosetto expressed disagreement with equating Israeli leaders with Hamas, but emphasized Italy’s obligation to comply with the ICC’s orders.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed this stance, underscoring that Italy’s actions would be driven by legal, not political, considerations.
Similarly, the Netherlands pledged full compliance with the ICC’s decision.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that the country would arrest Netanyahu if he entered its territory, highlighting the Netherlands’ commitment to the principles of the Rome Statute, which governs the ICC.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also weighed in, affirming that the arrest warrants were legally binding and that all EU member states must comply with the court’s ruling.
He emphasized the importance of respecting the ICC’s decisions and called for an end to the violence in Gaza.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that the country would enforce the arrest warrants. As a founding member of the ICC, Canada has long supported international law.
Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to justice and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, increased humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims praised Trudeau’s position, seeing it as a significant step toward justice for Palestinians.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also called for the implementation of the ICC’s decision, stating that Palestinians “deserve justice.”
