France says it supports ICC independence

ANKARA (AA) – France broke ranks with its Western allies, showing support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) after prosecutor Karim Khan sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

“Regarding Israel, it will be up to the court’s Pre-Trial Chamber to decide whether to issue these warrants, after examining the evidence put forward by the Prosecutor to support his accusations,” the French Foreign Ministry said.

“France supports the International Criminal Court, its independence, and the fight against impunity in all situations,” said the ministry.

Paris also said it has been cautioning “for many months” about the necessity for strict adherence to international humanitarian laws, and particularly about “the unacceptable level of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and the lack of humanitarian access.”

France’s decision represents a significant departure from the positions of its Western allies, such as the UK and Italy, as well as the US, where President Joe Biden denounced the decision as “outrageous.”

France stands out as one of the few Western nations willing to adopt a firmer stance on Israel, including criticizing the US veto of cease-fire resolutions in the UN Security Council and advocating for an immediate cease-fire.

Israel continues its offensive on Gaza despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the besieged enclave.

More than 35,500 Palestinians have since been killed, the vast majority of whom have been women and children, and over 79,600 others injured since last October.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza are in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.