Ireland

Irish Deputy Prime Minister Criticizes US President’s Remarks on ICC

Published

7 months ago

May 21, 2024

The Tánaiste has said it is not appropriate for the US president to criticise the International Criminal Court.

Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin has expressed that it is inappropriate for US President Joe Biden to criticize the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This follows Biden’s strong comments labelling the ICC’s application for arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as “outrageous.”

Netanyahu has also condemned the ICC’s move to arrest him for alleged crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Hamas's leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, right (Photos: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP; AP)

Micheál Martin supports the ICC’s stance, citing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Martin remarked, “Children are dying every day… there’s starvation. It’s tough not to come to the conclusion that the restriction of aid going into Gaza is a deliberate strategy and that starvation has become a weapon of war.”

In contrast, Biden emphasized the US’s unwavering support for Israel, stating, “And let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence – none – between Israel and Hamas. We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.”

Headshots of two men. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is on the left and Yahya Sinwar is on the right.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan believes Netanyahu, Gallant, and three Hamas leaders—Yehya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh—are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Khan pointed out the severe impact of using starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza, noting the resulting malnutrition, dehydration, suffering, and increasing deaths among Palestinians, including children and women.

Regarding Hamas’s actions on October 7th, Khan recounted witnessing the aftermath of the attacks and hearing from survivors about the profound suffering caused by calculated cruelty and extreme callousness, underscoring the need for accountability.

The differing perspectives from international leaders highlight the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the ICC’s actions and the broader geopolitical implications in the region.