German Chancellor Olaf Schulz’s spokesperson has stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will face arrest upon entering Germany following his conviction for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Stefan Haberstreit, representing Chancellor Schulz, affirmed that German law will be enforced in this regard. This announcement followed calls for Germany to reject the ICC’s decision.
The ICC had issued warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yuva Gallant for their roles in initiating Israel’s offensive in Gaza following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and for the alleged commission of atrocities during the conflict. Additionally, warrants were issued for the arrest of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The ICC’s decision elicited varied reactions globally, with Britain labeling it as inappropriate and US President Joe Biden deeming it provocative, while several other nations’ leaders expressed support for the investigation.
It’s noteworthy that over 35,800 Palestinians, including numerous women and children, have reportedly lost their lives in Gaza due to Israel’s military actions, with 15,000 children among the casualties, while nearly 80,000 Palestinians have been injured and 10,000 remain missing.