As Labour Wins in U.K., Party’s Ex-Leader Jeremy Corbyn Wins as Independent in Revolt over Gaza Policy
Democracy NowJun 25
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli, Hamas Leaders
story
Above: Palestinian children play games among the destroyed buildings as daily life continues under Israeli attacks and difficult conditions in Khan Yunis, Gaza on Nov. 21, 2024. Image copyright: Abed Rahim Khatib/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Muhammad Deif for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza.
Earlier this year, Israel said it assassinated Deif, but Hamas never confirmed his death. The ICC had also planned to issue warrants for Hamas political leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, but both were killed by Israel in recent months.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
It is simply undeniable that the war in Gaza has taken a terrible toll on its population, and the US is committed to alleviating that suffering. Nonetheless, baseless accusations of genocide are unhelpful and only fuel the wider conflict. The only way to assist the Palestinians in Gaza is to find a cease-fire and resolution to this conflict through negotiations.
Pro-Israel narrative
The ICC is demonstrating its anti-Israel and antisemitic bias. These warrants create a disgusting equivalence between terrorists and Israeli leaders trying to defend their people from said terrorists. Indeed, the fact that Hamas welcomed the move shows with whom the ICC wants to side. The ICC is a disgrace.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though the genocide is ongoing, Palestinians have been delivered at least one small victory. Just the mere suggestion that Israeli leaders may face consequences for their actions is enough to elicit a diplomatic campaign by the US to prevent such ethical moves. Israel has committed regular massacres in Gaza in addition to the famine it has created. If it were any other country, there would be no obstructions to the ICC's case.
