Justice Delayed, Justice Denied: ICC's Stalling on Netanyahu and Gallant Warrants Raises Deep Concerns

The Hind Rajab Foundation urges the ICC to swiftly issue warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant, holding them accountable for war crimes in Gaza. Our recent filing, naming 1,000 Israeli soldiers, highlights the urgency of action. Delaying justice risks further harm to victims and weakens trust in international accountability. While we recognize the political pressures the ICC faces—such as U.S. influence and threats from Israeli officials—the Court must act independently. The Hind Rajab Foundation stands firm in its call for impartial justice and encourages global support to uphold the ICC's mandate against impunity.

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Brussels/The Hague –  

The ICC’s prolonged delay in issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is a troubling breach of its mandate to deliver timely justice. With mounting evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed under their command in Gaza, these delays are an affront to the victims who continue to suffer without accountability.

The Hind Rajab Foundation urges the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take swift and decisive action on the pending warrants. The atrocities committed in Gaza under their command are well-documented, and the ICC’s mandate to uphold justice requires prompt accountability for those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Our recent submission at the ICC, naming 1,000 Israeli soldiers for war crimes, represents a critical milestone in the pursuit of justice. This substantial evidence underscores the need for urgency in ICC actions concerning Netanyahu and Gallant. Delaying justice in these cases risks prolonging the suffering of the victims and diminishes global faith in international accountability mechanisms.

The Hind Rajab Foundation recognizes that the ICC operates under considerable external pressures, including strong political influence. We condemn the U.S. government’s attempts to pressure the ICC, as well as the threats issued by Israeli officials. Additionally, the stalling tactics seen from Germany—and initially from the UK, which has since changed course—are troubling instances where political alliances seem to overshadow justice.

We respectfully call on the ICC to stand firm in its commitment to justice, free from political interference or intimidation. The Hind Rajab Foundation will continue to support the ICC in its mission to deliver justice to the victims in Gaza and will not relent in our own advocacy for accountability.

Join us in urging the ICC to act—share this message and demand an end to impunity.