Iraqi government welcomes ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government on Thursday welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Benny Gantz. The two are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian and Lebanese people. Iraq urged the international community to cooperate in enforcing the court’s decision.

In a statement, government spokesperson Basem Al-Awadi described the ICC’s action as both courageous and just.

“The Iraqi government values the brave and fair stance taken by the International Criminal Court in issuing arrest warrants against the Prime Minister of the Zionist entity and its former Defense Minister,” Al-Awadi said. “This decision is based on an indictment that found them guilty of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples.”

Al-Awadi emphasized the significance of the ICC’s move. “This historic decision reaffirms that no matter how far oppression goes or how long it persists, justice and truth will stand against it and prevent it from prevailing. This ruling serves as vindication for the innocent lives lost and the blood of martyrs shed during the criminal wars waged by the Zionist entity against Gaza and Lebanon for over a year.”

He further called for global solidarity in ensuring the ICC’s decision is enforced. “We salute this significant step toward achieving justice worldwide. We renew our calls for an end to the war and urge all free nations to implement this decision by handing over those accused to the appropriate courts to face accountability for their blatant violations of humanity.”

Earlier on Thursday, the ICC announced arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gantz, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif.

Netanyahu reacted furiously to the decision, stating: “Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and accusations made against it.”

The ICC’s move could ostensibly limit Netanyahu’s movement, as the court’s 124 member nations are obliged to arrest him should he enter their territories.