The international community, including the European Union, must unequivocally support the International Criminal Court (ICC), European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated on Thursday. His comments followed the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Borrell made these remarks ahead of a meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in Brussels, emphasizing the importance of the ICC in ensuring global accountability and justice.
ICC Issues Landmark Arrest Warrants
The ICC’s move last week to issue arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant marks a historic decision in the wake of the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza. The offensive, which began after a Hamas attack in October of the previous year, has reportedly resulted in over 44,300 deaths, primarily among women and children, with more than 104,000 injured.
While several nations have declared they will implement the court’s decision should the Israeli leaders set foot on their territory, others remain ambiguous, and at least one has openly refused to comply.
Borrell warned that such divisions undermine the ICC’s efficacy:
“Supporting the court is the only way of having global justice. It is the only way to implement accountability. If the Europeans do not support fully [the] international court without procrastination, then the International Criminal Court will not work,” he stated firmly.
Belgian Foreign Minister Highlights Path to Peace
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, speaking ahead of the same meeting, reiterated the necessity for a negotiated diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Stressing the importance of regional cooperation, Lahbib urged nations to transcend partisan divides and work towards lasting peace.
“It is time to go beyond partisan interests, beyond division … and to advance toward the general interest of the whole region,” Lahbib said. She also expressed hope that a recent cease-fire in Lebanon would inspire similar efforts in Gaza.
Cease-Fire in Lebanon: A Model for Gaza?
A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon took effect earlier this week, ending more than 14 months of intense fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah forces. Lahbib expressed optimism that this truce could set a precedent for peace in Gaza, where hostilities have entered their second year.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has been widely condemned as genocidal, with international organizations and leaders accusing Israel of deliberately targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid to the besieged population.
The ICC and Accountability: Can Justice Be Achieved?
The ICC’s arrest warrants, coupled with a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), have amplified calls for international accountability. However, the effectiveness of such mechanisms depends on the global community’s willingness to uphold international law.
As Borrell and Lahbib emphasized, the path to peace and justice requires collective effort and unwavering support for institutions like the ICC.
What Role Can the EU Play in Enforcing ICC Decisions?
Given its commitment to human rights and international law, the European Union faces growing pressure to lead by example in enforcing ICC decisions. Will the EU rise to the occasion and ensure accountability, or will geopolitical complexities impede justice?
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