A French appeals court is set to decide on Wednesday whether to uphold an arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar Assad, issued last year for alleged complicity in war crimes during the Syrian civil war. The decision comes after French prosecutors argued for the lifting of the warrant due to Assad’s immunity as a serving head of state, while maintaining the warrants for his brother and two generals.
Iran and Sweden have agreed to a prisoner swap, freeing Hamid Nouri, who Sweden convicted of war crimes related to mass executions in Iran. In exchange, Iran has released Johan Floderus, a Swedish national working for the European Union, and Saeed Azizi. Oman served as a mediator in facilitating the swap, which saw Nouri return to Tehran and the Swedish citizens fly home.
The United Nations has released its first in-depth report on the October 7 attack in Gaza, finding that both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes. The report details the deaths and displacement of thousands of Palestinians, as well as the captivity of hundreds of Israeli hostages by Hamas. Furthermore, the report highlights the systematic attack on the civilian population of Gaza, as well as the denial of humanitarian aid, resulting in the starvation of its inhabitants.
The United Nations human rights office has expressed grave concerns over the conduct of the Israeli military operation in Gaza, warning that it could amount to war crimes. According to the UN, the raid was carried out in a densely populated area, putting civilian lives at risk. The UN also criticized armed groups for holding hostages in such areas. The office’s spokesperson, Jeremy Laurence, emphasized the importance of respecting the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a “tragic mistake” after an Israeli strike in Rafah killed at least 45 displaced Palestinians. Condemnation surged internationally, including from close allies like the US and France. The attack raised the Palestinian death toll in the war over 3,600. Israel’s military said it would investigate the incident, while international legal proceedings are ongoing against top Israeli officials.
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The move deepens Israel’s global isolation and exposes divisions in the West’s approach to the region.
Both Israel and Hamas have vehemently denounced a request by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor to issue arrest warrants for their leaders for alleged war crimes. The ICC’s prosecutor, Karim Khan, has accused both Israeli and Hamas leaders of committing crimes against humanity during the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has condemned the move as a ‘historical disgrace’ while Hamas has ‘strongly condemned’ it. The US, Israel’s key ally, and France have expressed support for the court’s independence. However, the ICC does not have the authority to enforce its warrants, and any arrests would depend on the cooperation of ICC member states.
US President Joe Biden has strongly condemned the International Criminal Court’s application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, calling it “outrageous.” He reiterated his unwavering support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, emphasizing that there is no comparison between the two entities. Biden’s statement follows the announcement by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan that he had sought arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders over alleged crimes during the conflict in Gaza. The US State Department also denounced the announcement, calling it “shameful” and reiterating that the ICC has no jurisdiction over this matter.
The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) move to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict has drawn mixed reactions. While Senator Bernie Sanders supports the move, Republican lawmakers have criticized it as a gift to terrorists and a slap in the face to Israel. The ICC alleges that Netanyahu and others committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including starvation of civilians and intentional attacks on civilians.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar over alleged war crimes. Amal Clooney, an international law expert and wife of actor George Clooney, was among the experts who advised the ICC on seeking the warrants. The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, determined that the court has jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu condemned the decision as a “travesty of justice,” while Clooney expressed support for the legal action.
