Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
28 November 2024 | 14:45 CAT

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This development follows an extensive investigation by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, hailed globally as a pivotal moment in the fight for justice in Palestine.

Africa4Palestine, a prominent human rights NGO, joined millions in welcoming the ICC’s action. “This sends a powerful message that even those who consider themselves above the law will be held accountable,” said Ali Komape, spokesperson for the organization, during an interview with Radio Islam International.

While some view the warrants as a long-overdue measure, Komapeh refrained from celebrating. “The Zionist entity has perpetuated systematic ethnic cleansing and war crimes in Palestine for over seven decades. We cannot congratulate a fish for swimming—this decision was inevitable,” he remarked.

Komape highlighted the decades of atrocities committed by Israel in Palestine. “The Zionist entity has carried out systematic ethnic cleansing since the 1930s, forcibly removing Palestinians from their ancestral land to claim it as their own. This ethnic cleansing has escalated to full-scale genocide, with indiscriminate mass killings in Gaza reaching unprecedented levels since October 7th.”

The list of crimes attributed to Israel is harrowing. These include the targeting and killing of civilians, journalists, religious leaders, women, children, and the elderly. “Israel’s actions amount to a blatant disregard for international law, the Geneva Conventions, and basic human rights. The murder of over 50,000 Palestinians since October 7th underscores the urgency for international intervention,” Komape stressed.

Despite the ICC’s decision, Komape tempered expectations regarding enforcement. “The ICC relies on member states of the Rome Statute to execute warrants. With Israel and key allies like the United States not being signatories, the likelihood of arresting Netanyahu or Gallant remains slim. However, should they travel to member states, they could face detention,” he explained.

While the warrants mark a step toward accountability, Komape described the move as long overdue. “Palestinians have endured over seven decades of dispossession, apartheid, and brutal oppression. We cannot celebrate when their suffering continues daily. The international community must do more to stop this genocide and uphold justice for Palestine.”

As global reactions pour in, the ICC highlights the international community’s responsibility to end impunity and protect human rights.

Listen here to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Ali Komape.