Important European countries, international figures, and human rights organizations quickly adopted the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue two international arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his deposed Defense Minister Yoav Galant, on charges of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war of genocide on the Gaza Strip.

The Netherlands was the first country to express its support and willingness to implement the resolution, and while Belgium called on European countries to adhere to the resolution, France’s position was characterized by some ambiguity when it refused to clarify its readiness to arrest Netanyahu if he arrived on its territory.

At the same time, Israel Today newspaper quoted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar as saying that Israel hopes that friendly countries will announce that they do not intend to comply with international criminal orders.

The following are the most prominent international positions in this regard:

Netherlands:

The Netherlands was the first country to express its position. Reuters quoted Dutch Foreign Minister Kasper Veldkamp that his country was ready to implement the court order against Netanyahu and Gallant.

Belgium:

Petra De Sutter, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium:

Belgium supports the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu and Gallant.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Al-Deif, and we must comply.

The European Union must comply with the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant.

Europe must comply with the resolution, impose economic sanctions, suspend the association agreement with Israel, and uphold the two arrest warrants.

France:

The French position was ambiguous, as a spokesman for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Paris’s response to the court’s order would be consistent with the principles of the court, adding that the court is a guarantor of international stability and must ensure its work in an independent manner.

But the spokesman refused to comment on whether or not France would arrest Netanyahu if he arrived there, saying, “It is a complicated point from a legal standpoint, so I will not comment on it today.”

Ireland:

Michael Martin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ireland:

We call on all countries to respect the independence and impartiality of the Criminal Court.

We strongly support the International Criminal Court and call for respecting its independence and not making any attempt to undermine it.

United Kingdom:

A spokesman for the British Prime Minister:

Britain respects the independence of the International Criminal Court.

 European Union:

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell:

The ICC's order to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant is not political and the court's decision must be respected and implemented.

The ICC decision is binding and must be respected and implemented by all states and partners in the court.

United Nations:

Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese:

Member states of the Rome Statute must respect and implement the Court's decisions.

We respect the independence of the Criminal Court and support its work for accountability.

Countries, especially the United States and the European Union, must confront the extent of their violation of international law.

Human rights organizations:

Human Rights Watch:

The International Criminal Court memos refute the perception that there are people above the law.

The ICC memos are important given the attempts to obstruct the course of justice therein.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies