Arab Parliament welcomes ICC arrest warrants

The Arab Parliament has welcomed the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Israeli PM Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant, accusing them of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi from the UAE, said the decision represents a victory for international legitimacy and a call to hold those who violate the law accountable.

He urged the international community, signatories to the Rome Statute, and non-signatory states to uphold the application of international law and support the ICC in achieving justice.

Mr. Al Yamahi emphasised that such action are crucial in light of Israel's ongoing violations against the Palestinian people and mark an end to the impunity that encourages the occupation to commit further crimes and perpetuate genocide.

On Thursday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued warrants for the arrest of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, its former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (also known as Mohammed Deif), despite conflicting reports of his death in Gaza. 

The judges said there were “reasonable grounds” the three men bore "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war between Israel and Hamas. 

The Palestinian State has hailed the ICC's arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant, while Israel and the US have called the ruling "anti-Semitic" and "troubling," respectively.