Italy, Netherlands, Canada, and other nations have announced their intention to comply with International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
The ICC issued the warrants on Thursday, accusing Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the ongoing war in Gaza. The charges include allegations of starvation, murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.
The conflict began after Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. Over 44,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, have reportedly been killed, and Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been left largely displaced, relying heavily on humanitarian aid.
This marks the first instance where a sitting leader from a major Western country has been accused of war crimes by an international tribunal. Although the warrants also target Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, the focus has been on Netanyahu and Gallant due to their prominent political roles.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed Italy’s obligation to arrest Netanyahu if he enters the country, despite disagreeing with equating Israeli leaders with Hamas. “Italy, as an ICC member, is bound by legal obligations to comply with the court’s directives,” he stated. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supported this, highlighting that the ICC’s role is strictly legal, not political. Tajani added that Italy would consult with its allies on how to handle the situation.
The Netherlands also committed to full compliance with the ICC. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated, “We won’t engage in non-essential contacts, and we will act on the arrest warrants. We fully comply with the Rome Statute of the ICC.”
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasised that the ICC’s arrest warrants are binding on all EU member states. “This decision is a binding decision, and all state parties of the court, which include all members of the European Union, are bound to implement it,” he stated, calling for an end to the violence in Gaza and urging respect for the ICC’s decisions.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the country’s readiness to enforce the arrest warrants. Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to international law, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid. “It’s really important that everyone abide by international law,” Trudeau said, affirming Canada’s adherence to ICC rulings.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims praised Trudeau’s position, describing it as a significant step toward justice for Gaza and Palestine.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also supported the ICC’s decision, stating, “The ICC’s decision must be respected and implemented. Palestinians deserve justice.”
The ICC has indicated that the warrants were issued for crimes committed in Gaza from October 8, 2023, to at least May 20, 2024. This development has triggered a global conversation on accountability, justice, and the role of international courts in conflict resolution.