May 20, 2024 #ICC #KarimKhan #Article70
Al Jazeera correspondent Osama bin Javaid, reporting from The Global Security Forum in Doha, relayed re

May 20, 2024 #ICC #KarimKhan #Article70
Al Jazeera correspondent Osama bin Javaid, reporting from The Global Security Forum in Doha, relayed reactions to the ICC's announcement from both Israeli and Palestinian perspectives. Gideon Levy, a prominent columnist from Haaretz, expressed surprise at ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan's decisiveness but felt satisfaction that war crimes by both Hamas and Israel were being acknowledged. He predicted Israel would react defensively, portraying itself as a victim of global antisemitism, despite his belief in the justice of the decision.
Diana Buttu, a lawyer who has represented the PLO, argued that the ICC's balanced approach was driven by the scale of Israeli actions, which she characterized as genocidal. She criticized the ICC for appearing to equate the actions of both sides and emphasized the need for accountability for orders given by the Israeli government. Both Levy and Buttu acknowledged the potential symbolic impact of the ICC's actions, with Levy noting the unprecedented nature of an Israeli prime minister potentially becoming an international fugitive and Buttu hoping it would cause Israeli soldiers to reconsider their actions.
The broader discussion highlighted the possibility of the arrest warrants being issued and their enforceability, with an emphasis on the symbolic weight and potential implications for Israeli leaders and soldiers. The session concluded with thanks to both Levy and Buttu for their insights, noting the significance of these developments both within Israel and internationally.