WHILE some powerful states are shielding Israel from censure, the court of global opinion is quite clear: there is enough evidence to support punitive action against the Zionist state for its flagrant campaign of extermination of the Palestinian people, which it launched in Gaza over a year ago. This has been validated by the arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-war chief Yoav Gallant by the International Criminal Court. The Hague-based court also issued a warrant for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. The ICC believes that both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation as well as murder as the Israeli forces — under their command — have relentlessly and ruthlessly pounded the Palestinians of Gaza in the aftermath of the Oct 7 events. The reactions of the international community have been mixed to this largely symbolic decision. The US, Israel’s principal patron, has expectedly rallied to its ally’s defence, with President Joe Biden calling the ICC’s move “outrageous”. Incidentally, Mr Biden fervently welcomed the ICC’s arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, linked to the Ukraine war, last year. This again proves that for powerful states in the global community, the law is only reserved for enemies; for friends the sky is the limit. Yet some within the Western fraternity too, including Canada, Ireland and Spain, have said they will comply with the ICC warrant against the Israeli leaders. This is the right thing to do as the law must apply equally to all — friends and foes.

While it is unlikely that the Israeli leaders will be arrested, there is little doubt that one day Tel Aviv’s warmongers should be brought to justice for the immense humanitarian suffering that they have unleashed in occupied Palestine. Moreover, there should be international proceedings against Israel for its bloodthirsty assault on the people of Lebanon. Unless Israel’s leaders face the law for their crimes against humanity, violent regimes around the world will only be encouraged to disregard international norms.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2024