Sanders Comments on ICC's Arrest Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Leaders 2024

Sanders Comments on ICC's Arrest Warrants for Israeli and Hamas Leaders 2024

WASHINGTON, May 20 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released a statement regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders involved in the Israel-Gaza conflict:

In recent years, the ICC has taken action against political figures who have breached international laws and committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

This includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initiated the most devastating war in Europe since World War II with his unlawful invasion of Ukraine; Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for the brutal conflict in Gaza by launching a terrorist attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 innocent people; and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has retaliated with a massive campaign against the Palestinian population, causing casualties and injuries to over 5 percent of the population.

The ICC prosecutor's decision to issue these arrest warrants is justified. Although these warrants may not necessarily be enforced, it is crucial for the international community to uphold the principles of international law. 

Without these standards of decency and morality, the world risks descending into chaos, perpetual warfare, and brutality.