International pressure mounts on 'Israel' over Gaza, hinting isolation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Financial Times
27 May 2024 13:46

The Financial Times highlights mounting international pressure on "Israel" amid its actions in the Gaza conflict, noting the ICC's accusations of war crimes against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli officials.

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Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a press conference in Tel Aviv, "Israel", on October 28, 2023. (AP)

The Financial Times has published an article noting the mounting international pressure on "Israel" following its genocidal conduct in the war on the Gaza Strip.

As the war escalates and Tel Aviv increases the intensity of its crimes in Gaza, the ICC, last week, accused the Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of war crimes.

Despite the fact that the ICC equated between the victim and executioner given that they also accused Hamas of war crimes pertaining to October 7, the decision against Netanyahu and Israeli officials has caused significant uproar.

Following the ICC request to issue warrants against the accused, the ICJ instructed "Israel" to end its aggression on Rafah, while Ireland, Norway, and Spain announced that they would recognize the State of Palestine. The European countries' announcement challenged Tel Aviv's opposition to a two-state solution.

This, the Financial Times noted, showed that despite global sympathy with the occupation following Hamas's launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, "Israel's" right-wing government faces increased isolation.

ICC Netanyahu arrest warrant creates diplomatic dilemma for members

An analysis by Reuters revealed on Wednesday that International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan's request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has left key member states in a diplomatic dilemma over balancing support for both "Israel" and the ICC.

Khan's unprecedented move, aiming to hold a sitting Western-backed leader accountable, awaits review by ICC judges. The request, which focuses on war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza genocide, has raised questions among ICC backers about their loyalty.

While some capitals, including Paris, London, and Berlin, were informed beforehand about the arrest warrants, responses remain uncertain. German officials are for instance facing tensions between backing their Israeli ally's security and supporting ICC independence.

The US has on its part condemned the move and rejected equivalence between Hamas and "Israel". Senators in Congress have threatened to mobilize a team of lawyers to sanction the ICC. Nonetheless, European divisions on the matter have exposed wider disagreements over Palestinian statehood.

The UK, which has been part of the ICC since 2001 has questioned the court's jurisdiction, while Italy alleges potential antisemitism fueling antisemitism. France advocates for ICC independence but stresses compliance with humanitarian law. Spain on its part has expressed support for the ICC's investigation.

The ICC's request raises concerns about limiting Netanyahu's and Security Chief Gallant's travel, but executing warrants relies on member states.

"It would be especially damaging if European countries fail to observe arrest warrants, as they have always been among the court's most active supporters," Anthony Dworkin, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told Reuters.