Contrary to the positions of Western powers, France expressed its support for the independence of the International Criminal Court after its prosecutor requested the issuance of arrest warrants against the Israeli Prime Minister and his Defense Minister, along with 3 leaders of the Hamas movement.
A statement issued by the French Foreign Ministry said that Paris “supports the International Criminal Court, its independence, and the fight against impunity in all cases.”
She explained that she condemns what she called “the anti-Semitic massacres committed by Hamas” on October 7.
“With regard to Israel, it will be up to the court’s pre-trial chamber to decide whether to issue these warrants, after examining the evidence presented by the prosecutor,” the French Foreign Ministry said.
She added that she warned Israel about “the unacceptable level of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and the insufficient access of humanitarian aid.”
According to CNN, France’s move represents a major division between its position and that of its Western allies, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States.
5 arrest warrants
He was the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Khan He announced Monday that he is seeking arrest warrants against the Israeli prime minister Benjamin NetanyahuAnd his Minister of Defense Yoav Galant On charges of committing crimes including “starvation,” “premeditated murder,” and “Extermination Or murder.”
He added in his statement that Israel had committed “crimes against humanity” and accused it of launching a “widespread and systematic attack against Palestinian civilians.”
Karim Khan also requested the issuance of arrest warrants against 3 senior Hamas leaders: the head of the movement’s political bureau in Gaza, Yahya Al-Sinwar, the commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the movement’s military wing, Muhammad Diab Ibrahim (the guest), and the head of the movement’s political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, on charges of “genocide” and “rape.” “sexual violence” and “hostage taking”.
On Monday, Netanyahu rejected “with disgust” the court prosecutor’s request, while Hamas denounced “equating the victim with the executioner.”
US President Joe Biden considered the request to issue an arrest warrant against Netanyahu “outrageous,” and later stressed that Israel’s attack in Gaza “is not genocide.”
For his part, British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said, “The request for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant will not affect the continued export of our weapons to Israel.” He added, “We support Israel as a country, regardless of individuals.”