• UGI USER
  • Aug 07, 2024
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“UK DROPS OPPOSITION TO INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC) WARRANTS ON ISRAEL”

Why in the news?

The UK dropped its opposition to ICC arrest warrants against Israeli leaders Netanyahu and Gallant, signalling a major policy shift and potential legal implications for Israel.

source:worldmap

Understanding the UK’s Shift on ICC Warrants:

  • On July 26, Britain dropped its opposition to ICC arrest warrants against Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
  • The Labour government restored funding for the UNRWA, reversing Conservative policies.

Dispute Overview:

  • ICC prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants on May 20 for Hamas leaders and Israeli officials due to actions from Hamas’s Operation al-Aqsa and Israel’s Operation Iron Swords.
  • Accusations include war crimes and crimes against humanity, notably intentional starvation of civilians by Israel.

ICC Jurisdiction and Implications:

  • In 2021, the ICC ruled it could exercise jurisdiction in occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
  • With the UK’s stance change, ICC may soon issue arrest warrants, making Netanyahu potentially the first Western-backed leader indicted by the ICC.
  • This could lead to international isolation for Israel and restricted travel for Netanyahu due to the risk of arrest in ICC signatory states.
About International Criminal Court(ICC):

  • World’s first permanent international criminal court, governed by the Rome Statute.
  • Rome Statute adopted in 1998 by 120 States; took effect in 2002 upon ratification by 60 states.
  • Deals with crimes committed on or after 2002; no retroactive jurisdiction.
  • India, the US, and China are not parties to the Rome Statute.
  • 124 countries are States Parties; Malaysia is the most recent member.

Jurisdiction and Working:

  • Investigates and tries individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression.
  • Crimes must involve State Party nationals, occur in State Party territories, or be referred to by the UN Security Council (UNSC).
  • Complementary to national criminal systems; steps in when States are unwilling or unable to prosecute.
  • Not a UN organisation but has a cooperation agreement with the UN.
  • UNSC can refer to situations outside the Court’s jurisdiction.
  • Countries like Israel, the US, Russia, and China do not accept ICC’s jurisdiction over war crimes and genocide.