Borrell: Israel gov’t violates int’l humanitarian law

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has called on the international community, particularly the European Union, not to undermine the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a press statement yesterday, Borrell said: “We cannot undermine the International Criminal Court. It is the only way of having global justice.”

He added that Israel’s government, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is trampling on international law and violating international humanitarian law.

Borrell emphasised that the situation in Gaza constitutes a blatant violation of human rights, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire as a first step, followed by a political solution to achieve peace and the two-state solution.

Earlier on Thursday, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I unanimously issued two decisions rejecting appeals filed by Israel under Articles 18 and 19 of the Rome Statute. The court issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant last week, accusing them of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from 8 October 2023 to at least 20 May 2024, the date when the prosecution filed the arrest warrant requests.

While some EU countries announced they would implement the warrants if the Israeli officials set foot on their territory, others claim Netanyahu has immunity and would not be detained.

READ: All EU states ‘under obligation to execute’ ICC arrest warrant