In a landmark decision, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The ICC said that there were “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant committed war crimes, and added that Israel’s acceptance of the court’s jurisdiction is not required.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Ambassador of the Embassy of the State of Palestine to Nigeria, Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, on Thursday in Abuja.
Ambassador Abu Shawesh said the move marks a significant step towards accountability for the actions taken by Israeli officials in Gaza.
He said the ICC’s decision comes as the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the war on Gaza for the fourth time in a row.
According to him, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in a staggering death toll of 43,972, with 104,008 injuries, mostly women and children. Additionally, over 10,000 people are still missing, and 12,000 wounded individuals are in dire need of medical treatment.
“USA, for the fourth time in a row, vetoed a UN Security Council resolution yesterday calling for an end to the war on Gaza. This is further proof that their hands are fully stained with the blood of Palestinians who have been killed over the past 412 days.
“In Gaza alone, as of November 19, the death toll was 43,972 with 104,008 injuries, the majority of whom are children and women. More than 10,000 people are still missing under the rubble and streets of Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, more than 700 Palestinians have been killed.
“About 12,000 wounded people are in dire need of evacuation from Gaza for urgent, life-saving medical treatment, but Israeli measures are preventing this.
“As of November 16, 11,700 Palestinians are detained in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with more than 10,000 administrative detainees, 135 journalists, 58 of them are still in the prison, 765 children, and 435 women.
“Before October 7, the total number of detainees held in Israeli prisons was (5,250), including (40) women, (170) children and (1,320) administrative detainees.
“As of November 15, another two Palestinian prisoners have joined the long list of 280 who have died in Israeli prisons and detention camps since 1967, bringing the total to 43 during the last 13 months due to torture, brutal beatings, ill-treatment, and medical negligence.
Citing the UNICEF, the Palestinian ambassador said:“At least 14,000 children have reportedly been killed…… thousands more have been injured. There are no safe spaces. All of Gaza’s children have been exposed to the traumatic experiences of war, the consequences of which will last a lifetime.”
