Biden: Declares Gaza Situation Not Genocide Amid Arrest Warrant Request for Netanyahu | World News
Joe Biden has stated that “what is happening in Gaza is not genocide,” in response to an arrest warrant request by the International Criminal Court prosecutor for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The US president criticized the warrant request as “outrageous,” emphasizing that “there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas.”
“What is happening in Gaza is not genocide. We firmly reject that,” Mr. Biden declared at a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the White House.
He affirmed America’s unwavering support for the safety and security of Israelis.
International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan KC has filed for arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for alleged war crimes.
He is also seeking arrest warrants for Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas leaders Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al Masri (Deif), and Ismail Haniyeh.
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant. Pic: Reuters
Mr. Netanyahu responded saying: “As prime minister of Israel, I reject with disgust the Hague prosecutor’s comparison between democratic Israel and the mass murderers of Hamas.
“How dare you compare Hamas, who have committed heinous crimes, with the IDF soldiers fighting a just war.
“No external pressure or decision will deter us from protecting ourselves against those who seek our destruction.”
In a statement, Mr. Khan outlined the reasons for seeking the arrest warrants.
“It’s crucial that we demonstrate that international humanitarian law applies to all individuals equally in conflict situations,” he stated.
Yahya Sinwar Pic: Mohammed Saber/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock.
“This is a tangible way to demonstrate that every life has equal value.”
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Regarding the Hamas leaders, he stated that there are reasonable grounds to believe they are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He listed a range of alleged crimes, including murder, hostages-taking, rape, and other violent acts.
“These crimes were part of a systematic attack against the Israeli civilian population by Hamas and other armed groups, based on organizational policies. Some of these crimes are ongoing,” he explained.
About Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant, Mr. Khan mentioned that there are reasonable grounds to believe they are also responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He listed alleged crimes such as “starvation of civilians” and “intentional attacks on civilians.”
“These crimes were committed as part of a systematic attack against the Palestinian civilian population under state policy. These crimes are ongoing,” he stated.
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Benny Gantz, a former military chief and member of Israel’s war cabinet, strongly criticized Mr. Khan’s actions, stating that Israel adheres to strict moral codes and has a competent judiciary to investigate itself.
South Africa, leading a genocide case against Israel, welcomed Mr. Khan’s move to seek the arrest of Israeli and Hamas leaders.
“The law must be applied equally to all to uphold international rule of law,” said the office of South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.
France and Belgium expressed support for the arrest warrants.
“France backs the International Criminal Court and its fight against impunity in all cases,” stated the French foreign ministry.
At the same time, Belgium’s foreign minister Hadja Lahbib declared, “Crimes committed in Gaza must be prosecuted at the highest level, regardless of the perpetrators.”
