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Bernie Sanders backs ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza war crimes

Bernie Sanders backs ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza war crimes
Bernie Sanders backs ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza war crimes
November 22, 2024 09:34 AM GMT+03:00

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders backed a decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Thursday to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Sanders said in a statement that the ICC charges are "well-founded," emphasizing the importance of the Geneva Conventions, which were created to protect civilians and prevent inhumane actions during war.

While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself, he criticized the heavy toll on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, where more than 44,000 people have died, including women and children.

Bernie Sanders backs ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza war crimes
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant attend a vote at the Knesset plenum in Jerusalem, March 13, 2024. (Courtesy of Flash90)

'ICC decision is right'

He said the ICC's charges against Netanyahu and Gallant for crimes like using starvation as a weapon and targeting civilians were justified.

If the world does not uphold international law, we will descend into further barbarism

US Senator Bernie Sanders

"I agree with the decisions of the ICC," he added.

In a landmark move, the court announced that it had issued arrest warrants for the two Israeli leaders for war crimes in Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

Bernie Sanders backs ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza war crimes
-- AFP PICTURES OF THE YEAR 2024 --

People rush to landing humanitarian aid packages dropped over the northern Gaza Strip on April 23, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and the militant group Hamas. (Photo by AFP) / NO USE AFTER JANUARY 31, 2025 23:00:00 GMT - AFP PICTURES OF THE YEAR 2024
GAZA CITY, GAZA - NOVEMBER 20: A view of damaged building after Israeli attacks hit an house belonging to Aruki family on Sheikh Ridwan neighborhood in Gaza City, Gaza on November 20, 2024. There were reportedly casualties and wounded in the attack. ( Hasan N. H. Alzaanin - Anadolu Agency )
Smoke billows after Israeli bombardment in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip on May 6, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Bernie Sanders backs ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over Gaza war crimes
Fire breaks out on the tents housing displaced civilians after Israeli attacks in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al Balah, Gaza on October 14, 2024. (AA Photo)

It said it "found reasonable grounds" to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant "bear criminal responsibility" for "the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts."

The warrants come as Israel’s genocidal offensive in Gaza recently entered its second year.

November 22, 2024 09:34 AM GMT+03:00
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