Biden Rejects Genocide Label for Gaza Conflict Amid ICC’s Netanyahu Arrest Warrant Request

President Joe Biden has stated that “what is happening in Gaza is not genocide” in response to the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several Hamas leaders.

Biden called the warrant request “outrageous,” emphasizing that “there is no equivalence – none – between Israel and Hamas.” At a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the White House, he reiterated that American support for Israel’s safety and security is “ironclad.”

Image: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant. Pic: Reuters

The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, has applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh, citing alleged war crimes. Khan argued that these warrants are necessary to uphold international humanitarian law.

Image: Yahya Sinwar Pic: Mohammed Saber/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock.

Netanyahu responded strongly, rejecting the comparison between Israel and Hamas. He condemned the Hague prosecutor’s actions, defending Israel’s right to strike against those who threaten its existence. He described Hamas as murderers and terrorists, asserting that Israel’s military actions were justified.

Khan outlined his reasons for seeking the arrest warrants, stressing the importance of applying international humanitarian law equally. He accused Hamas leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, taking hostages, and sexual violence, alleging these crimes were part of a systematic attack on Israeli civilians.

Regarding Netanyahu and Gallant, Khan alleged they bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity, such as starvation of civilians and targeting civilian populations in Gaza. He claimed these acts are part of a state policy against Palestinians.

Israeli officials, including former military chief Benny Gantz, criticized Khan’s move, arguing that Israel adheres to strict moral codes and has a robust judiciary for self-investigation.

South Africa, leading a genocide case against Israel, welcomed the ICC’s actions. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office stated that the law must be applied equally to uphold the international rule of law.

France and Belgium also supported the arrest warrant request. France’s foreign ministry supported the ICC’s independence and the fight against impunity. In contrast, Belgium’s foreign minister, Hadja Lahbib, called for the prosecution of crimes committed in Gaza at the highest level.