Brussels: All European Union (EU) member states are required to execute International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as emphasized by EU spokesperson Peter Stano. He conveyed this obligation in a written statement to Anadolu Agency, highlighting the warrants in connection to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Stano underscored the EU’s commitment to international criminal justice and the fight against impunity. He affirmed the bloc’s support for the ICC and adherence to the principles of the Rome Statute, which established the court, along with its independence and impartiality.
Stano reiterated that the ICC’s mandate includes prosecuting the most serious crimes under international law. He stressed that EU member states that have ratified the Rome Statute are obligated to execute arrest warrants issued by the ICC.
The ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Netan
yahu and Gallant last week marks a significant development. The warrants are for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, where over 44,000 people have been reported killed since October 2023. Gallant, before his recent dismissal, was a key figure in the conflict.
Reactions among EU countries have varied, with some pledging to implement the warrants if the Israeli officials enter their jurisdiction, while others have been less definitive, and at least one country has stated that no arrests would be made.
