Erdogan Supports ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant Over War Crimes

Erdogan Supports ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan supports the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Erdogan called this a courageous move.

“We support the arrest warrant,” said Erdogan during a speech in Istanbul on November 23, 2024. The ICC also issued a warrant for former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Erdogan believes the ICC’s actions will help restore public confidence in the international system that seems overlooked Israel’s actions during the invasion of Gaza.

He emphasized the importance of implementing this bold decision and urged all member states of the agreement to honor it. This, he believes, would renew trust in the international order.

On November 21, the ICC announced warrants against Israeli leaders and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, citing crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Gaza conflict. Erdogan encourages swift policy implementation in response to these indictments.

“It is crucial for Western countries, which have long taught the world about law, justice, and human rights, to keep their promises at this stage,” added Erdogan.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant based on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity occurring from October 8, 2023, to at least May 20, 2024. ICC judges found reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant hold criminal responsibility for war crimes involving starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza, as well as other inhumane actions against Palestinian civilians.