European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell stated that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision is binding for all member states of the Court and the European Union. The Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant concerning alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Following the decision, the Netherlands announced its readiness to act on the ICC's order to arrest Netanyahu. Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra stated in Parliament that "if Netanyahu arrives on Dutch soil, he will be arrested." He added, "The Netherlands will no longer engage in non-essential communications with Netanyahu. The same applies to former Israeli Defense Minister Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif."
Meanwhile, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "France's response to the ICC's arrest order for the Israeli Prime Minister will be in line with the Court's principles." It added, "International justice must be applied in all situations. We consider the ICC as a guarantor of international stability, and its work must be ensured in an independent manner."
An ICC statement mentioned that "there are reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant committed crimes and oversaw attacks on civilian populations." It clarified: "The alleged war crimes include murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts." The statement added, "Israel's acceptance of the Court's jurisdiction is not necessary. The disclosure of these arrest warrants is in the interest of the victims."
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