Palestinian diplomat calls for UN support on ICC arrest warrants

A Palestinian envoy addressed the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, calling for member states to support the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Israeli officials and end decades of alleged impunity for crimes committed against Palestinians. Loureen Sayej, a diplomat and legal advisor, emphasized that the ICC's actions represent a pivotal step towards accountability and justice for victims.

Call for Accountability and Protection

Sayej argued that individuals accused of war crimes should face sanctions, while those involved in justice efforts, including ICC prosecutors and UN personnel, must be protected from retaliation. She stated that war criminals should not be celebrated, and victims should not be punished for seeking justice, underscoring the need for a fair legal process.

ICC Warrants as a Legal Milestone

The envoy highlighted the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as a significant move to counter impunity. She described the warrants as based on universal legal standards, not just Palestinian interests, and asserted that the court has fulfilled its role in holding perpetrators accountable for alleged atrocities.

Decades of Alleged Violations

Sayej cited over seven decades of unresolved issues, including illegal occupation, settlement expansion, torture, apartheid, systematic killings, and mass confinement, accusing Israeli officials of acting without consequences. She alleged that Israeli leaders are betting on avoiding accountability for genocide and urged the international community to support Palestinian civil society and ensure victims' access to justice.

International Obligations and Unexecuted Warrants

In a related address, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane urged UN member states to uphold their obligations under the Rome Statute by assisting in the execution of outstanding arrest warrants. She reported that 33 publicly known warrants remain unenforced, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation for the court's effectiveness.