International court pushes back on ‘threats’ as it weighs Israel-Hamas arrests

The International Criminal Court (ICC) came under intense pressure on Friday following reports that arrest warrants could be issued for Israeli and Hamas officials over their actions in the October 7 attack and subsequent war in Gaza. In the face of this, he objected to the “threat”.

Many pro-Israel US lawmakers and the Biden administration have urged the ICC to refrain from such actions, saying it has no jurisdiction over Israel. Axios reported on Thursday Senators from both parties said they met with ICC officials to express concerns about possible arrest warrants.

“The Office is committed to engaging constructively with all stakeholders whenever such dialogue is consistent with its mandate under the Rome Statute to act independently and impartially.” said. said in a statement Friday. Posted on social platform X.

“However, when the Department of Justice, in the performance of its duties, makes decisions on investigations and cases within its jurisdiction, its independence and impartiality are undermined when individuals threaten to retaliate against courts or court officials. ” the statement continues.

“Such threats, even if not carried out, may amount to a violation of the administration of justice pursuant to Article 2. Article 70 of the Rome Statute.”

The statement did not mention the source of the threat.

The ICC came into force in 2002 under international law that gives the court jurisdiction over crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression. Neither the United States nor Israel are among the 123 countries participating in the court.

Israel’s allies in Washington have balked at the possibility of an arrest warrant, which the New York Times says could mean Israeli authorities “block the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip” and Hamas attacks in October. It later reported that it may be related to “pursuing excessively harsh measures.” . 7.

“We have been clear about the ICC investigation. We do not support it. We do not believe they have jurisdiction. And for now we intend to leave it at that. ” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, added that Israel should not be investigated because it has its own “equivalent system.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) also argued that prosecutions of Israeli officials could set a precedent for prosecutions of U.S. officials because neither country has signed on to the court.

“Such lawless actions by the ICC directly undermine the national security interests of the United States,” he said in a statement. “If the Biden administration does not object, the ICC will create and assume unprecedented powers to issue arrest warrants against American political leaders, American diplomats, and American military personnel, thereby protecting our nation’s sovereignty. It would put it at risk.”