The tension between Israel and Palestine continues to escalate as international bodies and national leaders weigh in with responses and actions. In a recent statement by the head of the Hamas political office, Ismail Haniyeh, during a farewell ceremony for Ebrahim Raisi, it was emphasized that Iran will steadfastly support the Palestinian nation in their struggle until 'victory is raised over the Al-Aqsa mosque.' Haniyeh recounted his recent meeting with Raisi in Tehran, during which the late president reiterated Iran's unwavering support for Palestinian resistance, viewing the Palestinian issue as an integral part of the Islamic struggle.
Haniyeh also noted that Raisi praised Hamas' recent military actions against Israel, particularly referencing the attack on October 7. 'President Raisi highlighted the resistance movement as the first front of the Muslim resistance and a strategic choice to realize the liberation of Palestine,' Haniyeh said.
Meanwhile, on the international stage, France has expressed its backing for the International Criminal Court (ICC) after its prosecutor requested arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and three senior Hamas leaders for various war crimes. The French Foreign Ministry affirmed support for the ICC's independence and the global fight against impunity.
France's statement comes after condemning anti-Semitic massacres by Hamas on October 7, which involved barbaric attacks on civilians accompanied by acts of torture and sexual violence. The French government stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and decried the civilian losses in the Gaza Strip. A long-term political solution remains the key to achieving a sustainable peace, according to French diplomats.
On the other hand, U.S. President Joe Biden has staunchly defended Israel against the ICC's actions. Biden labeled the arrest warrants against Israeli leaders as 'scandalous,' while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the approach of the ICC's magistrate as 'a shame.' The divide between major international players underscores the complexity and deep-seated nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- ICC prosecutor Karim Khan outlined the charges against Israeli leaders, including deliberate starvation of civilians, intentional homicide, and extermination. The charges also extend to Hamas leaders, accusing them of extermination, rape, sexual violence, and hostage-taking as war crimes.
- In France, there is a mixed political response to the ICC’s announcement. Several left-wing leaders have welcomed the involvement of the ICC, seeing it as a step toward accountability and justice in the conflict. The country's commitment to international law and humanitarian principles remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
