- विज्ञापन -
On November 22, France expressed its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif. The ICC’s pre-trial chamber has accused Netanyahu and Gallant of “crimes against humanity and war crimes” committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024, while Deif faces similar charges related to events in Israel and Palestine from at least October 7, 2023.
During an online press conference, French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine stated that the ICC serves as a “guarantee of international stability,” emphasizing that its directives should be respected in all circumstances. Lemoine highlighted France’s commitment to fighting impunity but avoided providing a definitive answer on whether Netanyahu would be arrested if he visited France, describing the situation as “legally complex.”
Additionally, France voiced significant concern over the destruction of cultural heritage sites in Gaza and Lebanon due to ongoing conflicts.
Norway also voiced its backing for the ICC’s actions. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide remarked that the ICC is vital for ensuring accountability for grave crimes and expressed confidence in the Court’s ability to handle the case with the highest standards of fair trial.
