Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Category: International
Warsaw – Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejn underscored Poland’s readiness to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in implementing arrest warrants, including those issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a statement reported by the Polish News Agency, Szejn affirmed Poland’s commitment to supporting the ICC’s decisions, emphasizing that “the immunity and sovereignty granted to state leaders do not apply in this context.”
Parliamentary Discussion on ICC Compliance
The issue was raised during a Foreign Affairs Committee session in the Polish Parliament on Thursday, where questions were posed about Poland’s stance on enforcing ICC arrest warrants. The Deputy Foreign Minister clarified that Poland, as one of the 124 state parties to the Rome Statute, is obliged to cooperate with the ICC. He emphasized that ICC warrants are issued in the name of international law rather than individual states, thus negating the typical diplomatic protections afforded to national leaders.
ICC as a Pillar of International Justice
Szejn described the ICC as a “cornerstone” of international criminal justice and a fundamental component of international relations grounded in the rule of law. Poland’s position remains firm: “Poland respects ICC decisions and will enforce them.” He added that Netanyahu is “aware of what to expect” and suggested that he is unlikely to visit any Rome Statute member states that recognize ICC rulings.
Background on ICC Arrest Warrants
On November 21, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I unanimously rejected appeals by the Israeli government under Articles 18 and 19 of the Rome Statute. The court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
This development further highlights the growing international scrutiny over actions in Gaza, reinforcing the ICC’s mandate to hold perpetrators accountable for violations of international law.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
